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Seismogenesis of the 1985 Great ( M s =8.1) Michoacan, Mexico Earthquake
Author(s) -
McNally Karen C.,
GonzálezRuiz Jaime R.,
Stolte Christian
Publication year - 1986
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/gl013i006p00585
Subject(s) - seismology , geology , foreshock , slip (aerodynamics) , intraplate earthquake , interplate earthquake , thrust fault , subduction , fault (geology) , aftershock , tectonics , physics , thermodynamics
The size and source complexity of the great ( M s = 8.1) Michoacan, Mexico earthquake can be attributed to both a restriction of the downdip width of the seismic interface between the overriding and downgoing plates, and a uniform distribution of asperities. The seismogenic evidence of strain accumulation during the 20 years prior to the 19 September, 1985 mainshock closely resembles that observed prior to the smaller M W = 7.6 earthquakes in the adjacent Colima (1973) and Petatlán (1979) regions: the subsequent rupture zones are seismically quiescent ( m b ≥4.0) for ∼ 2.5 ‐ 4 years prior to the mainshocks; the locked thrust interface is loaded by aseismic slip and normal faulting within the downgoing plate below 25‐30 km. There is evidence that the 1981 Playa Azul earthquake ( M W = 7.3) is an integral stage of the evolutionary process of strain accumulation and release in the Michoacan area and could thus be considered a foreshock to the great 1985 earthquake.

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