Seismic characterization of the Alhama de Murcia Fault (Epicentral area of the Lorca 2011 earthquake)

Abstract

The Alhama de Murcia fault (AMF) is one of the most active faults of the Iberian Peninsula and the source of the Lorca 2011 earthquake that caused significant demage including several casualties. This NE-SW oblique (strike slip-reverse movement) fault, extended up to 100 km, has been extensively mapped to characterize its surface structure but almost no information is available of the structure and geometry at depth. As a result of the Lorca 2011 earthquake and its devastating effects in the population a need for better knowledge of the AMF became mandatory. Accordingly, InterGEO project pursues to understand the seismic behaviour of the fault and determine its relevance in seismic hazard. In order to achieve this, a multidisciplinary approach is used including detailed geological mapping, paleoseismic trenches, borehole logging and geophysical characterization.

The main aim is to characterize the AMF in the sorroundings of the Lorca city ,from surface to depth, in the most interesting fault segments.