SEISMOTECTONIC CHARACTERISTICS OF EASTERN CUBA

A new analysis of the seismotectonic features of eastern Cuba is presented based on the geodynamic characteristics of the northern Caribbean region. Previous seismotectonic studies, methodological approaches and criteria used to define active faults, including geodesic data, seismicity, geological maps, geomorphologic analysis, and remote sensing, are evaluated.

It is demonstrated that seismicity in eastern Cuba is related to small faults triggered by the counter-clockwise absolute movement of the North American plate and its interaction with the Gonave microplate. A seismotectonic map of eastern Cuba is presented which displays faults representing major seismic hazard, such as the Oriente and the Hispaniola septentrional faults, among other. The map also presents faults with limited seismogenetic potential, even if they are the source of seismicity registered on land along the plate margin.

The seismicity and seismic hazard appears to be less severe in western and central Cuba, although a thorough assessment of the seismotectonic characteristics and seismic hazard of this part of the island has not been yet accomplished.