Abstract

A latitudinal tectonic segmentation along the Chilean subduction margin is defined by the modeling of the continental wedge geometry. The segments are characterized by different effective basal friction coefficients or Hubbert-Rubey fluid pressure ratio and are limited by the subduction of oceanic features and seaward continental prolongations. The analysis of the modeled parameters indicates that the process of tectonic erosion probably is associated with high levels of overpressure in the decollement and inside the continental wedge. The observed segmentation shows a spatial correlation with the distribution of large earthquake ruptures, which suggest a link between the long-term and short-term deformation process. Joint interpretation of the results with the b-value analysis and the density-depth models in the 2010 Maule Mw8.8 earthquake zone shows the importance of these studies to understand the geodynamics of the subduction zones.