%0 Journal Article
%T The 11 May 2011 earthquake at Lorca (SE Spain) viewed in a structural-tectonic context
%A R. L. M. Vissers
%A B. M. L. Meijninger
%J Solid Earth (SE) & Discussions (SED)
%D 2011
%I Copernicus Publications
%R 10.5194/se-2-199-2011
%X The Lorca earthquake of 11 May 2011 in the Betic Cordillera of SE Spain occurred almost exactly on the Alhama de Murcia fault, a marked fault that forms part of a NE-SW trending belt of faults and thrusts. The fault belt is reminiscent of a strike-slip corridor, but recent structural studies have provided clear evidence for reverse motions on these faults. Focal mechanisms of the main earthquake, but also of a foreshock, are strikingly consistent with structural observations on the Alhama de Murcia fault. This strengthens the conclusion that, rather than a strike-slip fault, the fault is at present a contractional fault with an oblique reverse sense of motion, presumably in response to the NW-directed motion of Africa with respect to Europe.
%U http://www.solid-earth.net/2/199/2011/se-2-199-2011.html