Waveform inversion and focal mechanisms of two weak earthquakes in Cordillera Principal (Argentina) between 35° and 35.5° S

Abstract

Only few (six) focal mechanism, in CMT Catalog, have been so far known for intraplate shallow events in the Andean chain close to Chile–Argentina state border at latitudes ∼35° S. We add two more mechanisms, depths and moment magnitudes by carefully analyzing full waveforms of weak events recorded by broad-band stations of the Chile Argentina Geophysical Experiment (southern profile). The moment magnitudes of both events (Mw = 3.6 and 3.7) are lower than the duration magnitudes (Md = 4.0 and 4.29) reported by NEIC. The source depth, constrained by waveforms for one of the studied events (5.5–8.5 km) seems to be considerably shallower than the hypocenter depth located by means of arrival times (∼20 km). The waveform analysis was complemented by first-motion polarities which resulted in an uncertainty assessment of the focal mechanism. Event 1 (2001-11-03) has a strike-slip mechanism with a small normal component and almost vertical nodal planes in the north-south and east-west directions. The north-south nodal plane could be related to the Calabozos faults system. Event 2 (2002-02-16) has a strike-slip mechanism with a small thrust component. The latter event (its subhorizontal nodal plane) could be associated with the El Diablo-El Fierro fault system. Dextral strike-slip solutions are consistent with recent studies in the area.