Neotectonics of Hispaniola - Plate motion, sedimentation, and seismicity at a restraining bend

The question as to the extent to which earthquake mechanisms define plate motion is addressed in view of the pattern of Neogene faulting, volcanism, and sedimentation in Hispaniola. The structure of two fault systems that approximately define the northern and southern coasts of the island suggest an east-west trend in relative plate motion, which is consistent with previous findings. The intervening area consists of en echelon mountain ranges thrust up at the restraining bend from the early Miocene. A Pleistocene volcanic province within this area is interpreted as defining a diffuse extensional fault termination of the southern strike-slip fault zone.