The Southern Andes between 36° and 40°S latitude: seismicity and average seismic velocities

Abstract The project ISSA 2000 (Integrated Seismological experiment in the Southern Andes) consists of a temporary seismological network and a seismic refraction profile. A network of 62 seismological stations was deployed across the Southern Andes at ∼38°S. Three hundred thirty-three local seismic events were observed in a 3-month period. P and S arrival times of a subset of high quality data were inverted simultaneously for 1-D velocity structure, hypocentral coordinates and station delays. Seismic refraction data along a transect at 39°S provide further constraints on the crustal structure. Low crustal velocities beneath the forearc may be either due to subducted trench sediments or serpentinized mantle material of the continental lithosphere. The continental Moho is not clearly observed in this region. Average velocities of the crust beneath the arc are higher than those beneath the forearc. Crustal thickness is about 40 km. Crustal seismicity concentrates in the forearc region along the Bio-Bio and Gastre fault zones. The area between these two prominent fault zones seems to be nearly devoid of crustal seismicity but shows highest uplift and topography in the forearc region. Benioff seismicity is observed down to 150 km depth resulting in the first accurate image of the Benioff zone in the Southern Andes. A maximum of seismicity at 60 km depth may be caused by dehydration embrittlement.