Tectonic significance of the Jaris and Candelaria fault systems in the Costa Rican Forearc
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Abstract
In this research, we study the Jaris and Candelaria faults, in the fore-arc of Costa Rica, based on photointerpretation, field work, and the relocation of earthquakes recorded by the National Seismological Network of Costa Rica. We present evidence that confirms that both systems correspond to right-lateral strike-slip faults and are oriented northwest-southeast. Furthermore, we determined a total length of 35 and 65 km, for the Jaris and Candelaria fault systems, respectively, which implies a seismic potential of moment magnitude (Mw) 6.9 and 7.2. We postulate that the 2004 Damas Earthquake (Mw 6.4) is associated with the Candelaria system and, furthermore, that these faults, together with other right-lateral strike-slip faults in the center of the country, facilitate the tectonic escape of the Central American Forearc Block from an area much further to the southeast than previously proposed. Due to their proximity to the Greater Metropolitan Area of San Jose (15-35 km), the studied faults are dangerous for the most populated area of Costa Rica.
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References
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