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Finite element modeling of stress in the Nazca plate - Driving forces and plate boundary earthquakesThe state of stress within the Nazca plate due to plate driving forces and large plate boundary earthquakes has been analyzed by applying a finite element method using the wave front solution technique to models of the intraplate stress field in a single plate using a refined grid. Although only static elastic models have been explicitly calculated, certain limiting cases of an elastic plate over a viscous asthenosphere were also treated. A state of nearly east-west compression inferred from the source mechanism of thrust earthquakes in the interior of the plate requires ridge pushing forces. The net pulling force on the oceanic plate by the subducted slab has a maximum value comparable to pushing forces. The estimated horizontal deviatoric stress in intraplate regions, based on potential forces associated with the ridge, is on the order of a few hundred bars. The intraplate stress field in the region of the 1960 earthquake may change by a few tens of bars at most once the asthenosphere has relaxed, with changes on the order of one bar occurring at greater distances into the plate. The changes in the intraplate stress field are probably not noticeable unless the lithosphere is near failure.
Document ID
19790056259
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Richardson, R. M.
(MIT Cambridge, Mass., United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1978
Publication Information
Publication: Tectonophysics
Volume: 50
Subject Category
Geophysics
Accession Number
79A40272
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF EAR-74-21894
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSG-7329
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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