Abstract
Indonesian seismicity provides important insights into the tectonics and
hazards of a region that is characterized by a remarkable diversity in
faulting, including subduction, extension, thrusting, and strike-slip
faulting. We present a synthesis of Indonesian seismotectonics by
documenting the distributions of hypocenters (≥ M 4.6) and focal
mechanisms (≥ M 5.0) over ~20 years, quantifying
seismicity rates, and comparing observed seismicity trends with proposed
tectonic models. Of the 20,622 events ≥ M 4.6 observed in the study
region, ~77% of seismicity are shallow (≤ 70 km depth)
and of magnitudes ≤ M 5.0 (68%). 61 events ≥ M 7.0 occurred, five of
which exceeded M 8.0, including the 2004 Mw 9.1 Sumatra-Andaman
earthquake. Regionally, about ~320 ≥ M 5.0 earthquakes
occur per year, and rates decrease exponentially between 50-300 km with
significantly elevated seismicity in the Mantle Transition Zone (MTZ).
Intermediate and deep events (≥ 70 km depth) trace the Wadati-Benioff
zones of several subducting slabs exhibiting a geometry consistent with
recent tomography models. Seismicity extends to a maximum depth of 678
km. Oblique convergence, lithospheric age, ambient mantle temperatures
and viscous resistance at the 410, 520, and 660 km phase boundaries
likely contribute to the non-uniform depth distribution of intermediate
and deep earthquakes. Shallow seismicity provides insight into how
complex oblique convergence is accommodated near the surface, with
primary sources including megathrusting, crustal faulting, and shallow
intraslab faulting. All sources of shallow seismicity constitute
significant seismic hazards.