High-resolution image of the North Chilean subduction zone: seismicity, reflectivity and fluids

We obtained high-precision locations for 5250 earthquakes in the Iquique segment of the northern Chilean subduction zone from two temporary local seismic networks around 21°S. A double seismic zone in the downgoing Nazca slab can be clearly identified. One band of seismicity is located at the plate interface and a second one 20–25 km deeper in the oceanic mantle. It can be traced updip to uncommonly shallow levels of 50 km. A combined interpretation of seismicity and reflectivity along the seismic ANCORP’96 experiment suggests the prevalence of fluid processes in the subducted oceanic crust as well as in the uppermost 20 km of the mantle. Crustal seismicity is pervasive below the Coastal Cordillera. Beneath the Precordillera, the lower bound of crustal seismicity delineates a sharp west-dipping boundary down to 20 km depth, consistent with earlier findings indicating a rheological boundary.