Orientation and nature of active crustal stresses determined by electromagnetic measurements in the Patagonian segment of the South America Plate

Abstract

Based on electromagnetic measurements we determined the current stress directions in the uppermost continental crust of Patagonia between the active plate margin of the Chilean Pacific coast and the Argentinean passive Atlantic margin. Regional variations of the observed stress pattern are giving details onto the acting tectonic processes. We distinguish five regional stress domains with different prevailing horizontal stress directions (SH): 1. Southern Coastal Cordillera and Longitudinal Valley (SH = SSW–NNE), 2. Chiloe Island (SH = SW–NE), 3. Northern Patagonian Andes (SH = WSW–ENE), 4. Argentinean Pampa and Atlantic margin (SH = WNW–ESE) and 5. Southern Patagonian Andes (SH = WNW–ESE). These stress regimes can be related to the geometry of the subducting Nazca- and Antarctic plates, to the transform fault between the South America and Scotia plates and to passive margin processes along the Atlantic coast. Absolute plate motion and rapid relative plate convergence control the subduction geometry and therefore the stress directions along the convergent margin of the South America Plate and the structural style within and landward of the Magmatic Arc. The knowledge of current local stress directions permits the characterisation of potential fault kinematics. By in situ measuring of electromagnetic emissions from rocks we determined the maximum horizontal stress orientation in the uppermost crust using a new geophysical tool. Our investigations on the orientation of the stress regimes also allow conclusions about the causative forces of either tectonic or gravitational origin in this part of the South-America Plate.