Myanmar-Andaman-Sumatra subduction margin revisited: Insights of arc-specific deformations

Abstract

We address the role of the concave and convex arcs (as observed from the subducting plate) on the deformation occurring along the Myanmar-Andaman-Sumatra margin. We categorize the pre- and post-seismic deformations of the lithosphere using earthquake database occurring either prior to 26th December 2004 M w 9.3 off-Sumatra mega-event or after the incidence. Analysis under pre-seismic domain shows that area near Sumatra records highest seismicity, which largely drops in the area past the North Andaman, and further increases towards north. Shallowest depth and minimum dip of the subducting lithosphere is recorded at the central segment where the arc transformed into concave shape. The annual moment energy release during earthquake decreases to more than two orders of magnitude past the North Andaman towards north under post-seismic deformation phase. Higher depths of continuity of events are presumably associated with more dipping Benioff zones in both the Indo-Myanmar and Andaman-Nicobar convex arcs. These observations obviously account for tectonic subdivision of the margin near concave shape arc around the central part. Absence of volcanism, presence of splay faults in the back-arc, sharp reduction in seismicity near central segment are interpreted to be caused by major tectonic impact of the NNE-ward converging buoyant Ninety-east Ridge against the Asian Plate. Shallowest dip, small elastic thickness, weak converging Indian lithosphere, and evidences of series of en-echelon blocks off the eastern side of the broken northern Ninetyeast Ridge might be incapable of generating great earthquake in this area.