HR: 0800h
AN: T31A-0271 [Abstracts]
TI: Crustal Seismicity and 3-D Velocity Structure in the Principal Cordillera of Central Chile (33- 34.5 S, 69.5-71 W): Implications on Andean Geodynamic and Seismic Hazard
AU: * Pardo, M
EM: mpardo@dgf.uchile.cl
AF: Departamento de Geofisica, Universidad de Chile, Blanco Encalada 2002, Santiago,
6511227, Chile
AU: Monfret, T
EM: monfret@geoazur.inice.fr
AF: UMR Geosciences Azur, IRD, 250 A. Einstein, Valbonne, 06560, France
AU: Vera, E
EM: evera@dgf.uchile.cl
AF: Departamento de Geofisica, Universidad de Chile, Blanco Encalada 2002, Santiago,
6511227, Chile
AU: Yañez, G
EM: gyane003@codelco.cl
AF: Codelco Chile, Teatinos 258, Santiago, 6511227, Chile
AU: Eisenberg, A
EM: aeisenbe@qdgf.uchile.cl
AF: Departamento de Geofisica, Universidad de Chile, Blanco Encalada 2002, Santiago,
6511227, Chile
AB:
Based on data from a dense local temporary seismological network, crustal seismicity is characterized, and a 3-
D body wave velocity structure is obtained by tomographic inversion down to the subducted slab. In the framework
of Fondecyt 1050758, GeoAzur-IRD and ACT-18 projects, 35 broadband and short period instruments, were
deployed in the studied zone for 135 days recording in continuous mode. At this zone the Andean active
volcanism reappears after a gap of volcanic activity since late Miocene occurring north of 33 S due to the Central
Chile flat slab subduction zone. Crustal seismicity in the depth range 0-30 km is well correlated with known
geological faults that become now important in the assessment of the regional seismic hazard. This seismicity
also clusters around the giant porphyry cooper deposits in the region (Rio Blanco, El Teniente), and are neither
related to mine-blasts nor induced by mining activity. Moreover, the local 3-D velocity structure shows that the
zone surrounding each deposit is characterized by high Vp/Vs greater than 1.8, which may indicate fluid phases
located in the weakest and more fractured zone of the crust. The body wave velocity pattern shown at depth by the
local tomography indicates channels of high Vp/Vs connecting the subducted slab with the surface at places
where active volcanism is present, suggesting upward migration of hydrous or melted rocks. This pattern agrees
with the one observed with a previous regional tomography that includes this zone, while this Vp/Vs pattern tends
to be horizontal at the flat slab zone. At depths of 20-25 km, a layer of high Vp/Vs is observed beneath the Andes
Cordillera that could be associated to changes in the rheological properties between the upper and lower crust,
or to accumulation of magma. The average stress tensor, derived from focal mechanisms, indicate that the
Andean zone is under compression in the plate convergence direction.
DE: 7230 Seismicity and tectonics (1207, 1217, 1240, 1242)
DE: 7240 Subduction zones (1207, 1219, 1240)
DE: 7270 Tomography (6982, 8180)
SC: Tectonophysics [T]
MN: 2007 Fall Meeting