2013 Seismic swarm recorded in Galati area, Romania: focal mechanism solutions

Abstract

An unusual seismic swarm started on September 23, 2013, close to Galati city, in Izvoarele region (Romania), and lasted until November 12, 2013. 406 earthquakes were recorded during several phases of seismic activity. The strongest events—a magnitude 3.9 earthquake, occurred on September 29, and two ML 3.8 shocks, occurred on October 3 and 4, respectively, were accompanied by specific seismicity bursts. The seismogenic region of the swarm is situated between two main crustal faults, which builds up the primary fault system, oriented SE–NW: New Trotus Fault (at the limit between North Dobrogea and Scythian Platform) to the North and east, and Peceneaga Camena fault (which separates North Dobrogea block from the Moesian Platform) to the South. The epicentral zone belongs to a complex tectonic area, in which a secondary fault system—lying NE–SW, perpendicular to the primary system—is also present. The focal mechanisms show normal faulting, with an important strike-slip component, one of the nodal planes being oriented roughly in a NE–SW direction. The objective of this study is to investigate the seismic swarm recorded in a new seismic area of Romania, near the town Galati in Izvoarele region. We show detailed hypocentral location, focal mechanisms and the correlation between seismicity and tectonic structures.