Changing tectonic regimes in the central Costa Rica forearc between the Paleogene and the present: Insights from structural analysis and focal mechanisms. (January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Porras, Hernán; Mescua, José; Durán, Patrick; Cascante, Monserrat; Giambiagi, Laura; Muller, Cyril
• Is Part Of: Journal of geodynamics. Volume 143(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-01
• Subjects: Costa Rica forearc -- Fault kinematic analysis -- Plate tectonic evolution; Geodynamics -- Periodicals; Earth movements -- Periodicals; Rock deformation -- Periodicals; Earth -- Internal structure -- Periodicals; 551.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jog.2020.101814
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-3707

Abstract

Abstract: We discuss the Cenozoic history of the Central Costa Rica forearc, between 10° and 9°30′N, based on geological mapping, fault slip data and seismological records.The temporal variability in the regional stress-field suggests a variable and complex deformation pattern. The first stage of deformation, from the Paleogene to early Miocene, was controlled by an extensional regime in the forearc. Afterwards, a change to orthogonal convergence triggered a contractional deformation and subsequent inversion of the sedimentary extensional basins in the middle-upper Miocene. Finally, a transpressive regime has been developed since the Pliocene.