Thin‐shell modeling of neotectonics in the Azores‐Gibraltar Region

Abstract

We applied the thin‐shell neotectonic modeling method to study the neotectonics of the Africa/Eurasia plate boundary in the Azores‐Gibraltar region. The plate boundary consists of a simple fault system running from Azores to the Gorringe Bank where it branches along the Betics and Rift‐Tell thrust fronts. Major faults in west Iberia and NW Africa have also been incorporated. Results are compared with seismic strain rates, fault slip rates and stress orientations. The best estimate for the fault friction coefficient is 0.1–0.15 meaning that the plate‐boundary is only about 1/4 as strong as the adjacent lithosphere. The largest fault slip rates (>1.5 mm/yr) are obtained along the Gloria fault (strike‐slip), and the Betic (transpressive) and Rif‐Tell (compressive) thrust systems. Whereas tectonic activity in the Atlas region is comparable to that obtained along the plate boundary, the fault slip rates in the west Iberia fault systems are one order of magnitude less.