The geometry of the Burmese-Andaman subducting lithosphere

The gross seismotectonic features for the Burmese-Andaman arc system which defines the northeast margin of the Indian plate are rather well known but variations in the subduction zone geometry along and across the arc and fault pattern within the subducting Indian plate have not been studied. Present workaims to study these by using seismicity data whose results are presented in the form of: (a) Lithospheric across-the-arc sections at about every 100–120 km (approximately one degree latitude apart) covering the 3500 km longBurmese-Andaman arc system, (b) a structure contour map showing the depth tothe top surface of the seismically active lithosphere and (c) interpretationof focal mechanism solutions for 148 Benioff zone earthquakes. Both penetrationdepth and the dip of the Benioff zone vary considerably along the arc in correspondence to the curvature of the fold-thrust belt which varies from concave to convex in different sectors of the arc. Several extensive `Hinge faults' that abut at high angles to the arc orientation, are inferred from aninterpretation of the structure contour map. Active nature of the hinge faultsis established in several areas by their association with earthquakes andcorroborated through fault plane solutions. At shallow level of the Benioffzone along these faults, focal mechanism solutions display left lateral strikeslip movement while at deeper levels reverse fault solutions are common.