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Along arc heterogeneity in local seismicity across the Lesser Antilles subduction zone from a dense ocean-bottom seismometer network

Bie, L.; Rietbrock, A.; Hicks, S.; Allen, R.; Blundy, J.; Clouard, V.; Collier, J.; Davidson, J.; Garth, T.; Goes, S.; Harmon, N.; Henstock, T.; Van Hunen, J.; Kendall, M.; Krüger, F.; Lynch, L.; MacPherson, C.; Robertson, R.; Rychert, K.; Tait, S.; Wilkinson, J.; Wilson, M.

Along arc heterogeneity in local seismicity across the Lesser Antilles subduction zone from a dense ocean-bottom seismometer network Thumbnail


Authors

L. Bie

A. Rietbrock

S. Hicks

R. Allen

J. Blundy

V. Clouard

J. Collier

J. Davidson

T. Garth

S. Goes

N. Harmon

T. Henstock

M. Kendall

F. Krüger

L. Lynch

R. Robertson

K. Rychert

S. Tait

J. Wilkinson

M. Wilson



Abstract

The Lesser Antilles arc is only one of two subduction zones where slow‐spreading Atlantic lithosphere is consumed. Slow‐spreading may result in the Atlantic lithosphere being more pervasively and heterogeneously hydrated than fast‐spreading Pacific lithosphere, thus affecting the flux of fluids into the deep mantle. Understanding the distribution of seismicity can help unravel the effect of fluids on geodynamic and seismogenic processes. However, a detailed view of local seismicity across the whole Lesser Antilles subduction zone is lacking. Using a temporary ocean‐bottom seismic network we invert for hypocenters and 1D velocity model. A systematic search yields a 27 km thick crust, reflecting average arc and back‐arc structures. We find abundant intraslab seismicity beneath Martinique and Dominica, which may relate to the subducted Marathon and/or Mercurius Fracture Zones. Pervasive seismicity in the cold mantle wedge corner and thrust seismicity deep on the subducting plate interface suggest an unusually wide megathrust seismogenic zone reaching ∼65  km depth. Our results provide an excellent framework for future understanding of regional seismic hazard in eastern Caribbean and the volatile cycling beneath the Lesser Antilles arc.

Citation

Bie, L., Rietbrock, A., Hicks, S., Allen, R., Blundy, J., Clouard, V., …Wilson, M. (2020). Along arc heterogeneity in local seismicity across the Lesser Antilles subduction zone from a dense ocean-bottom seismometer network. Seismological Research Letters, 9(1), 237-247. https://doi.org/10.1785/0220190147

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Sep 26, 2016
Online Publication Date Nov 13, 2019
Publication Date Jan 1, 2020
Deposit Date Nov 14, 2019
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal Seismological Research Letters
Print ISSN 0895-0695
Electronic ISSN 1938-2057
Publisher Seismological Society of America
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 9
Issue 1
Pages 237-247
DOI https://doi.org/10.1785/0220190147

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