loading page

Rotational characterization of seismic events along Chile
  • Andrés Acosta-Pizarro,
  • Denisse Pastén,
  • Carla Hermann-Avigliano
Andrés Acosta-Pizarro
University of Chile

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

Author Profile
Denisse Pastén
Universidad de Chile
Author Profile
Carla Hermann-Avigliano
University of Chile
Author Profile

Abstract

We characterize $117$ seismic events occurred in Chile and registered at the Wetzell Geodetic Observatory (BWLRAS) in Germany in terms of rotational seismic parameters. Using the Minimum Curvature Interpolation method, we create a $2$D map with the Vertical Rotation Rate (VRR) divided in three zones from the Chilean Coast: Northern, Central, and Southern area. In order to describe the behavior of VRR along time, we create a timeline and seismic moment model showing events in these areas with different values of VRR. The analyzed data includes four large earthquakes occurred in different zones with magnitudes greater than $M_w$7.5. We focus our analysis in the values of the rotational velocity for these earthquakes and show that the VRR does not have a clear relation with the seismic moment magnitude. Our results open a new way to describe and study seismic events. It can be useful to generate a deeper understanding of the dynamics in the underlying processes involved in the earthquake occurrence. As well, our results could serve to improve safety regulations in construction and mining, since important rotational movements may be present even within low moment magnitude events.