The first instrumentally resolved complex seismic faulting near Bogotá -
the 2019 Mesetas Mw 6.0 earthquake sequence
Abstract
The Northern Andes boundary is a first-order tectonic structure in
Colombia with historically M>7 earthquakes. However,
details about the individual sections of the system remain unknown. We
illuminate the seismotectonic of the Algeciras fault by investigating an
earthquake sequence that started on December 24, 2019. Using recent
seismic networks of the region, we estimate focal mechanisms of the
foreshocks and aftershocks, local stress field, kinematic slip models of
the largest events, and Coulomb stress changes. Two mainshocks (a
doublet of Mw 6.0 and 5.8) occurred within 16 minutes, rupturing just a
few kilometers from each other. Discrimination of causative faults among
the centroid moment-tensor nodal planes is difficult because the focal
zone is a complex tectonic environment. We reinterpret local faults
using geologic information, geomorphology and combine this new
information with seismology results. The relocated aftershocks show a
cluster with an L-shaped pattern concentrated in a ~7 km
x 7 km area. Our model defines the Algeciras fault with two structural
styles merging to the Guaicáramo Fault System and border the Eastern
Cordillera to the east, supporting its regional dextral and
transpressional kinematics. The NW part is characterized by a
duplex-style of right-lateral strike-slip with inner secondary faults of
the same sense or movement, and the SE zone by a domino-style system
with inner minor faults of sinistral kinematics. The earthquake doublet
is a part of the duplex style, whereas, the south part of the
aftershocks is located on the domino-style, of the northern termination
of the Algeciras Fault System.