Resolving ground deformation of a blind mid-crustal earthquake with
InSAR amid strong phase delays: a case study of the 2021 Mw 6.4 San Juán
earthquake (Andean Fold and Thrust Belt, Argentina).
Abstract
On January 18, 2021, a blind mid-crustal Mw ~6.4
earthquake occured near San Juán, Argentina. The observation of
associated ground deformation with InSAR is hidden by strong
tropospheric signals. We properly correct the data and reconstruct the
deformation field through InSAR timeseries approach. We show it is
possible to retrieve such signal with sufficient quality to invert the
fault parameters. The ground deformation can be explained by uniform
slip of a single NW dipping fault plane at a depth of 19km, and the
geometry of such fault supports the reactivation of inherited structures
on top of the Cuyania Terrane, insinuating a direct connection and
strain transfer to the active east-vergent Precordillera front.