Tectonic Escape of the Panama Microplate? Kinematics Along the Western Boundary, Costa Rica

板块构造提供了一个概念框架，将许多构造特征放置在相当特定的构造环境中，但是二阶变化的影响并没有得到很好的约束。本项目将研究地震脊俯冲对巴拿马活跃断层系统的可能影响。目前，有两种假设是可行的——变形是由于“逃逸构造”导致了科科斯岭的渗透，或者变形仅仅是由于巴拿马微板块的西端，与科科斯岭无关。这些模型将通过测量第四纪阶地和火山流的位移、断层的结构研究和震源平面地震机制的分析来检验。每个模型预测不同的断层空间分布、不同的时间和不同的变形样式。研究结果将有助于了解西加勒比/中美洲地区微板块边界和相互作用，并有望应用于其他地区的微板块构造。

Plate tectonics provides a conceptual framework for placing a number of structural features in rather specific tectonic settings, however the effects of second-order variations are not well constrained. This project will examine the possible effects of aseismic ridge subduction on an active system of faults in Panama. Presently, two hypotheses are viable- the deformation is due to "escape tectonics" resulting in Cocos Ridge penetration or the deformation is due simply to the west end of the Panama microplate, unrelated to the Cocos Ridge. These models will be tested by measuring displacements of Quaternary terraces and volcanic flows, structural studies of faults, and analysis of focal plane earthquake mechanisms. Each model predicts different spatial distributions of faults, different timing and styles of deformation. Results will help understand microplate boundaries and interactions in the western Caribbean/Central America area and are expected to apply to microplate tectonics in other areas.