Other
Scientific paper
Oct 2003
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2003geoji.155..149s&link_type=abstract
Geophysical Journal International, Volume 155, Issue 1, pp. 149-173.
Other
30
Scientific paper
We define the Sinai subplate, from a seismotectonic perspective, as a distinct component in the plate tectonics of the eastern Mediterranean region. This is based on the tectonic characteristics of a comprehensive listing of all ML>= 4 recorded seismicity in the region during the 20th century, on newly calculated and recalculated fault plane mechanisms of first P-wave arrivals and on published solutions based on waveform inversion of broad-band data.
The low seismicity level and scarcity of strong events in the region required a thorough search for useful data and a careful examination of the reliability of the focal solutions. We gathered all available records of first P-wave onsets from the ISS and ISC Bulletins and the local seismic networks. Altogether, we were able to calculate 48 new focal mechanisms and 33 recalculated ones of events that occurred during the years 1940-1992. With the increasing number of teleseismic and regional broad-band stations in the later years, we added 37 solutions based on teleseismic and regional waveform inversions of events that occurred during 1977-2001.
These mechanisms enabled us to examine the seismotectonic character of the Sinai subplate. The strike and rake directions of the calculated mechanisms usually reflect the geometry and the large-scale type of deformation observed along the boundaries of the Sinai subplate-the Dead Sea Transform, the Cypriot Arc convergent zone and the Suez Rift. Nevertheless, along each of these boundaries we found anomalous solutions that attest to the complexity of the deformation processes along plate margins.
Earthquakes along the Dead Sea Transform exhibit mainly sinistral transtension and transpression, reflecting its leaky manner and local change in the transform geometry. The presence of other unexpected mechanisms near the transform, however, reflects the heterogeneous deformation it induces around.
As expected, thrust mechanisms along the Cypriot Arc mirror its convergent nature and typical curved geometry. Transtension and transpressional solutions in the eastern segment of the arc reflect the sinistral shear motion between Anatolia and Sinai there. However, shear mechanisms found between Cyprus and the Eratosthenes Seamount pose a problem regarding its collision process.
Most intriguing of all are ML>= 4 thrust and shear solutions found in the Gulf of Suez. They are associated with predominantly normal mechanisms within a rift zone and therefore constitute a unique phenomenon, yet to be deciphered.
Garfunkel Zvi
Hofstetter Avraham
Ron Hagai
Salamon Amos
No associations
LandOfFree
Seismotectonics of the Sinai subplate - the eastern Mediterranean region does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Seismotectonics of the Sinai subplate - the eastern Mediterranean region, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Seismotectonics of the Sinai subplate - the eastern Mediterranean region will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-918387