ABSTRACT
Results are presented fron the first eleven years of operation of a radio-linked seismograph network in the Trinidad and Tobago region. All earthquakes of magnitude (mb) greater than about 2.8 have been relocated using the method of joint hypocentral determination (JHD). The results show an extremely complex pattern of seismicity and are presented as a set of maps showing earthquakes in different depth ranges. Important features of the earthquake distribution are that the supposed sontinuation of the El Pilar fault through the northern part of Trinidad has not been seismically active for at least the past decade and that there is a significant source of immediate-depth earthquakes to the east of Trinidad, the existence of which was previously unknowm. Our interpretation of the results favours oblique ongoing collision between the Lesser Antilles island arc and the South American continent rather than predominantly east-west strike slip motion.(AU)
Subject(s)
Earthquakes , Retrospective Studies , Trinidad and Tobago , ResearchABSTRACT
The Caribbean islands all have high population densities, and in many instance throughout the volcanic chain large numbers of persons inhabit the lower flanks and agjoining areas which fall well within the range of very dangerous hazards from volcanos. In recognition of the vulnerability of these communities it is imperative that volcanic hazard be identified in order to permit adequate risk assessment exercises.(AU)
