Geodetic Changes Associated with Crustal Deformation on the Andean Backarc of San Juan, Argentina

Abstract

In this work we have analyzed the results of temporal geodetic variations associated with tectonic deformation on the Andean backarc in southern San Juan province, Argentina. This area is affected by the subduction of the Juan Fernández Ridge and has the greatest seismic hazard in Argentina. Since 2000, we have monitored the variations of gravity annually with high precision (g4D) in the active deformation belt, around the city of San Juan (31°S to 32°S, 68°W to 69°W). Temporal gradients of g4D have been associated with active structures and interpreted as subsurface mass redistributions as a result of accumulation and release of stress. These data, in addition to the topographic deformations measured by the Global Positioning System (GPS) and the identification of structures in the crystalline basement from the geophysical models, allow us interpret mechanisms of deformation in the contact between the Precordillera and Pampean Ranges in the foreland of San Juan. In this area, after more than a decade of low activity, in 2012 the Tulum Fault System (TFS) was reactivated, generating crustal events of moderate magnitude including an earthquake of M w 5.0 (January 18, 2012). According to our interpretation, the fault system accumulated elastic deformation for more than 10 years expressed as height increases at gravity stations (decrease of g4D) until the year 2011. The January 18, 2012 earthquake released part of the energy at the same time as a coseismic increase of g4D. This should be reflected in regional tectonic subsidence from the point of view of conventional gravimetric models. However, GPS reoccupation of the benchmarks located in this fault system indicates a generalized increase in altitude of the fault system in the last 15 years. TFS behavior could be assumed as topographic flexural displacements induced by a system of blind faults. We analyzed the time series of a permanent Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) station located to the north of the TFS. The GRLS station (31.61ºS; 68.32ºW) presents slow variation in the vertical and north components. The variation began on December 20, 2011 reaching its maximum amplitude on January 18, 2012. The geodetic variations coincide with the period of seismic reactivation.