Controls on spatial and temporal evolution of prism faulting and relationships to plate boundary slip offshore north-central Sumatra

Abstract

Across- and along-strike variations in the morphology and structure of the north-central Sumatran forearc (~1.5°S to 1°N) are broadly coincident with subducting plate topography and an earthquake segment boundary zone below the Batu Islands. We present a detailed interpretation of multichannel streamer seismic reflection data collected offshore north-central Sumatra, to better characterize the morphological and structural variations, provide insight into fault development, and relate structure to plate boundary rupture and seismicity patterns. We interpret two relatively continuous, major fault structures that divide the prism into three strike-parallel belts that can be characterized by the relative fault slip rates along major and minor fault structures. The midslope break fault(s) and upper slope-bounding fault(s) are major, potentially out-of-sequence thrusts accommodating a significant component of the compressional strain. We propose that the upper slope-bounding fault represents the more mature end-member of an evolving fault system. Landward vergent structures are associated with a relatively thin sedimentary section near the deformation front in the center of our study area and suggest a potentially weak shallow plate boundary associated with the subducting Wharton Fossil Ridge. Key Points Landward vergence suggests localized weak plate boundary interface Major fault evolution model based on fault plane character Complex accretionary prism structure driven by downgoing plate features ©2014. American Geophysical Union. All Rights Reserved.