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Neotectonics of Southeast Jamaica Derived From Marine Seismic Surveys and Gravity Cores
Author(s) -
Wright Vanshan,
Hornbach Matthew,
Brown Lyndon,
McHugh Cecilia,
Mitchell Simon
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
tectonics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.465
H-Index - 134
eISSN - 1944-9194
pISSN - 0278-7407
DOI - 10.1029/2019tc005806
Subject(s) - geology , seismology , neotectonics , fault (geology) , tectonics , submarine pipeline , elastic rebound theory , strike slip tectonics , seismic hazard , seismic gap , bay , active fault , oceanography
Abstract Tectonics in Southeast Jamaica is poorly understood, but the region may contain currently unknown faults that could generate large‐magnitude earthquakes. This study constrains tectonics in Southeast Jamaica by collecting and analyzing seismic and shallow sediment core data in and around Kingston Harbor. Seismic results reveal a previously unrecognized strike‐slip fault system that accommodates strain via a complex mix of compression and extension. The faults appear to be a blind extension of one major fault (i.e., The Bull Bay Strike‐Slip Fault) within the Enriquillo‐Plantain Garden Fault Zone. This fault system may represent significant hazards to Kingston Jamaica because the fault is active, located less than 5 km from the city, and a complete rupture of the fault could generate a M w 5.8–6.9 earthquake. Our analyses highlight the need for continued paleoseismic studies, both onshore and offshore Jamaica.