Seismo-tectonic structure of the Aysén Region, Southern Chile, inferred from the 2007 M w= 6.2 Aysén earthquake sequence

Abstract

On 2007 April 21, a M w= 6.2 earthquake shook the Aysén Fjord, Southern Chile in an unprecedented episode for this region characterized by low seismicity. The area is intersected by the Liquiñe-Ofqui Fault System (LOFS), a +1000-km-long strike-slip fault that absorbs part of the oblique convergence motion between Nazca and South America plates. To study the aftershock sequence of this main event, we installed a seismic network of 15 stations in the area for a period of nearly 7 months. We characterized the seismogenic structure of the zone by calculating a minimum 1-D local velocity model and obtaining precise hypocentral coordinates and uncertainty estimates by using a non-linear probabilistic approach. We also obtained fault plane solutions based on first motion polarities and SV/P amplitude ratios. The velocity model shows an average V p/V s ratio of 1.76 for the area and low shear wave velocity values for the upper 3km of crust. The aftershock seismicity was located mainly between 4 and 10km depth and disposed in (1) an ~N-S trending alignment that follows the trace of the LOFS and (2) an E-W alignment at the East of the main fault. Furthermore, we re-analysed the previously published foreshock and early aftershock activity of the sequence including four of its largest events, improving considerably previous location estimates. Selected focal mechanisms show a strong strike-slip component that coincides with the nature of the LOFS. Based on our new analysis we conclude that the 2007 Aysén seismic sequence had a tectonic origin related to activity on the southern end of the LOFS, however not discarding the presence and potential action of fluids on the aftershock activity. © 2012 The Authors Geophysical Journal International © 2012 RAS.