Abstract
The thickness of the seismogenic crust (Ts) controls crustal
earthquakes. Its upper limit is the seismicity onset depth (SOD) while
its base corresponds to the seismicity cutoff depth (SCD) that
correlates with the brittle-ductile transition. Thus, it influences the
magnitude and location of crustal earthquakes and knowledge of its
geometry may aid in seismic hazard assessment. Here we present the first
Ts map of the Andean margin. We follow the standard methodology using
the statistical depth distribution of events on a grid of equally size
square cells. However, we find it has flaws and develop a new approach,
based on circular cells of variable radius that changes according to
earthquake density. Our results indicate that Ts is heterogenous,
showing three controls: thermal structure, subduction geometry and
crustal thickness.