Long-lasting wrenching tectonism in the Fuegian Andes: An overview

Abstract

Beyond its formal beauty, the geodynamic complexity of the connection between the Southernmost Andes and the Scotia plate, through the active Magallanes-Fagnano Fault system (MFF) and North Scotia Ridge (NSR), ask for proper geodynamic model(s), which could account for the discrepencies between long-term and actual co-seismic deformation and earthquake recurrence time. We focus here on the most recent and current deformation of the region, including a synthesis on the fault system carving the area, together with a critical review of the available kinematic and micro-tectonic data, an overview of the seismicity and paleoseismicity leading to current fault mechanism and actual seismic deformation, which then could be compared to geodetically-related deformation observed by GPS.