Crustal Structure and Seismogenic Zone of Cameroon: Integrated Seismic, Geological and Geophysical Data

Abstract

This study describes the seismo-tectonic evolution of Cameroon. It is noticed that seismic activity is largely related to the Cameroon volcanic line (CVL) and many of the tectonic phenomena follow the previous structural lines. Although the area is that of a relatively low seismicity, the effects of a given earthquake could be considerable. This study combines seismic records, from 1952 to 2002 and from 2005 to 2007, with the integration of existing structural information to better define the seismogenic zones. An important identified cluster of epicenters in S-W defines the first seismic source region where events’ characteristics show a weak seismicity related to volcanic activity. The second seismogenic zone, in the north of Mount Cameroon volcano, illustrates the activity of Central Cameroon Shear Zone (CCSZ) faults; its seismicity is considered weak to moderate with maximum magnitude recorded which is 5.1 Mb. The area of “Sanaga Shear Zone” (SSZ) constitutes the third seismic source region with moderate seismicity in which maximum magnitude recorded is 5.8 Mb; Depth of its faults segments is evaluated at 33 km. The fourth Source Region follows the North boundary of Congo Craton; a characteristic event with magnitude of 6 M allows evaluating fault depth at 33 km. Also three zones define crustal structure: the South Domain with thick crust, the Center Domain characterized by thin crust, active tectonic and volcanic structures and the north domain with shallow Moho.