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We investigate the variations of the seismic source properties and aftershock activity using kinematic inversions and template-matching for six large magnitude intermediate-depth earthquakes occurred in northern Chile. Results show similar rupture geometry and stress drop values between 7 and 30 MPa. Conversely, aftershock productivity systematically decreases for the deeper events within the slab. Particularly, there is a dramatic decrease in aftershock activity below the 400–450 °C isotherm depth, which separates high- and low-hydrated zones. The events exhibit tensional focal mechanisms at unexpected depths within the slab, suggesting a deepening of the neutral plane, where the extensional regimen reaches the 700–800 °C isotherm depth. We interpret the reduction of aftershocks in the lower part of the extensional regime as the absence of a hydrated-slab at those depths. Our finding highlights the role of the thermal structure and fluids in the subducting plate in controlling the intermediated-depth seismic activity and shed new light in their causative mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Powerful subduction zone earthquakes rupture thousands of square kilometres along continental margins but at certain locations earthquake rupture terminates. To date, detailed knowledge of the parameters that govern seismic rupture and aftershocks is still incomplete. On 2015 September 16, the Mw 8.3 Illapel earthquake ruptured a 200 km long stretch of the Central Chilean subduction zone, triggering a tsunami and causing significant damage. Here, we analyse the temporal and spatial pattern of the coseismic rupture and aftershocks in relation to the tectonic setting in the earthquake area. Aftershocks cluster around the area of maximum coseismic slip, in particular in lateral and downdip direction. During the first 24 hr after the main shock, aftershocks migrated in both lateral directions with velocities of approximately 2.5 and 5 kmhr-1. At the southern rupture boundary, aftershocks cluster around individual subducted seamounts that are related to the downthrusting Juan Fernández Ridge. In the northern part of the rupture area, aftershocks separate into an upper cluster (above 25 km depth) and a lower cluster (below 35 km depth). This dual seismic-aseismic transition in downdip direction is also observed in the interseismic period suggesting that it may represent a persistent feature for the Central Chilean subduction zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When describing the mechanical behaviour of the lithosphere modelled as a thin plate, the most important parameter corresponds to its flexural rigidity, which is commonly expressed through the effective elastic thickness, Te. This parameter is a measure of the stiffness of the plate and defines the maximum magnitude and wavelength of those surface loads that can be supported without suffering unelastic deformation. Realistic 3-D models of the flexural response of the lithosphere near the trench are scarce because of the mathematical and computational complexity. We present a method for determining the flexure of the lithosphere caused by the combined effect of 3-D seamount loading and bending of the lithosphere near the trench. Our method consists on solving numerically the flexure equations of the Reissner–Mindlin thin plate theory, including variable thickness, using the finite element method with mesh adaptation. The method was applied to study the flexure of the oceanic Nazca lithosphere beneath the O'Higgins seamount group which lies ∼70 km seaward of the Chile trench. The results show that an elastic thickness Te of ∼5 km under the seamounts, a Te of ∼15 km far from the trench and a Te of ∼13 km near the trench can explain both, the down deflection of the oceanic Moho and bending of the oceanic lithosphere observed in seismic and gravity profiles. In order to study the impact of high trench curvature on the morphology of the outer rise, we apply the same methodology to study and model the flexure of the lithosphere in the Arica Bend region (14°S–23°S). Results indicate that the Te values are overestimated if the 3-D trench curvature is not included in the modelling. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]