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A New Seismic Reflection Study for Southwestern Puerto Rico Fault Characterization

Description: 

Southwestern Puerto Rico (SWPR) seismic activity received significant attention after the 2020 earthquake sequence. All previous research suggest that seismicity propagated in the onshore area where it was found the presence and interaction of left-lateral strike slip and normal faults. The sequence suggests a diffuse zone of active offshore faulting at the western side driven by coupling at the northern boundary of the Caribbean plate. Most of the previous work in the area was conducted through offshore seismic reflection surveys, leaving behind significant gaps to understand onshore faults. Strike, dip, and depth of fault planes are critical for comprehensively characterizing fault structures along Puerto Rico’s tectonic boundaries for future hazard assessments. How can these enhanced descriptions of onshore faults help assess the overall tectonic extent of Puerto Rico-Virgin Islands block which may include a boundary in SWPR associated with observed seismic activity? We present a geophysical approach to produce a new onshore fault characterization qualitatively and quantitatively in Lajas Valley, SWPR, including the Punta Montalva Fault. An initial phase of data acquisition has been completed using a 2D-channel seismic system supplemented with nodal recorders. Seismic data processing and data analysis are being carried out using the Seismic Unix processing system. Preliminary results show excellent imaging of several faults beneath the Lajas Valley, indicating potential for understanding the tectonics of this important area.

Session: The 2023 USGS National Seismic Hazard Model and Beyond [Poster Session]

Type: Poster

Date: 5/1/2024

Presentation Time: 08:00 AM (local time)

Presenting Author: Chris

Student Presenter: Yes

Invited Presentation: 

Authors