Seismological evidence on the geometry of the Orogenic System in central‐northern Ecuador (South America)

Abstract

Analysis of the spatial distribution of seismicity beneath central Ecuador from a temporary network gives new insights on two main points of the Ecuadorian tectonics. Major structures in the Ecuadorian Andes are East‐dipping Late Jurassic to Paleogene sutures reactivated by present‐day compression. The oceanic plate is plunging continuously down to a depth of about 200 km with a dip of 25°–35°. We also show that the coastal plain acts as a buttress transmitting stresses to the Andes, beneath which deformation is concentrated.