Structural and morphotectonic analysis to the north of Valledupar-Cesar, Colombia: contribution to the studies of seismic danger of the Rio Seco Fault

Abstract

The Río Seco Fault is a dextral structure that extends in an E-W direction, located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. This study contributes to seismic hazard studies by conducting a structural and morphotectonic analysis of the fault. Satellite images and a field campaign were used to map a section of the fault. Deformations and morphotectonic features were identified, applying paleoseismic techniques that revealed deformations of up to eight centimeters. The analyses determined a preferential dextral kinematics associated with the NE-SW fault system.