Abstract
AbstractThe central Philippine Fault Zone is found to be the locus of great earthquakes, a transition zone with slow slip and creep activity. This is based on the analysis and correlation of seismic historic data and detailed documentation of recent seismic events in the region. Based on this study the Guinyangan fault is defined to be the northern locked portion with recurrence interval of as short as 65 years. The Masbate fault is the central part with large and medium earthquakes accompanied by unusually large ground rupture. The north Central Leyte fault and the south Central Leyte fault, on the other hand, are characterized by aseismic creep and medium-sized events, usually with clusters of foreshocks, respectively. Unusual seismic activity both on the Masbate fault and Central Leyte fault somehow correlates well with the behavior of known slow events and creep activity. Further investigation of this region could lead to deeper understanding of impending major earthquakes, especially along the Guinyangan fault, which usually produces larger damaging events, and for further understanding of the impact of slow events and creep on the adjoining active structures.
Highlights
One of the major tectonic features in the Philippine region is the Philippine Fault Zone (PFZ)
We found that the Guinyangan fault is the location of large major events that have recurrence intervals as short as 65 years
The Masbate fault is a transition zone characterized by large and medium earthquakes accompanied by unusually large ground rupture with post-seismic deformation and possibly slow-slip components
Summary
One of the major tectonic features in the Philippine region is the Philippine Fault Zone (PFZ). From southeastern Luzon, the PFZ traverses offshore into the Ragay Gulf area and continues southeastward east of Burias Island, along which at least ten major historical events occurred with associated ground rupture (Rowlett and Kelleher, 1976). The continuation of the PFZ is found on the island of Leyte along the same trend (Fig. 1). In this region, the active fault map of PHIVOLCS (2000) is based mainly on satellite images and topographic interpretations and shows at least two parallel structures defining the PFZ, the Masbate Fault and Uson Fault. The Uson Fault is the shorter western trace on Masbate Island while the Masbate Fault refers mainly to the trace onshore Masbate Island to the trace east of Burias Island (Fig. 2)
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