Deep Earthquake Mechanics Inferred From Fault-Plane Orientations in Central South America

To place constraints on the physical mechanisms of deep earthquakes, we analyze the rupture properties of >30 intraslab earthquakes with MW >5.7 in central South America (15°--25°S). For all earthquakes, we perform a directivity analysis to estimate the rupture vector and identify the fault plane. After comparing the results with synthetics, we can distinguish the fault plane of the focal mechanism for ~1/3 of these earthquakes. For the largest earthquakes, we also invert for the slip distribution on the fault plane. At intermediate depths, we test whether earthquakes result from dehydration embrittlement reactivating the steep, trenchward-dipping faults of the outer rise. After accounting for the angle of subduction, these faults would be approximately vertical. This prediction contrasts with the orientation of faults identified between 100--300 km depth, which are all subhorizontal and instead suggest the creation of a new system of faults. The exclusive occurrence of subhorizontal faults agrees with previous studies in the Tonga-Kermadec and Middle America subduction zones. The similarity in results between the three subduction zones despite large differences in temperature, subduction velocity, and subduction angle suggests that the earthquake-generating mechanism is controlled by pressure rather than tectonic parameters. Deeper than 300 km, earthquakes occur along both subhorizontal and subvertical fault planes.