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[1] Based on a compilation of published and new seismic refraction and multichannel seismic reflection data along the south central Chile margin (33[degrees]-46[degrees]S), we study the processes of sediment accretion and subduction and their implications on megathrust seismicity. In terms of the frontal accretionary prism (FAP) size, the marine south central Chile fore arc can be divided in two main segments: (1) the Maule segment (south of the Juan Fernandez Ridge and north of the Mocha block) characterized by a relative large FAP (20-40 km wide) and (2) the Chilo6 segment (south of the Mocha block and north of the Nazca-Antarctic-South America plates junction) characterized by a small FAP ([less than or equal to]10 km wide). In addition, the Maule and Chiloe segments correlate with a thin (