El terremoto de pedernales, Ecuador, del 16 de abril de 2016 y sus causas

Geologic and seismotectonic characteristics of the Ecuadorian Pacific slope are presented in this paper in an attempt to explain the causes of the destructive microseism of April 16th, 2016 with epicenter in Pedernales, Ecuador, of magnitude Mw=7,8. The structural and geotechnic properties that enhance the vulnerability odf the territory are commented and attention is paid to the importance of an adequate management of risk and vulnerability in a zone geologically unstable due to the coupling structures between the Nazca and South American plates.