Researchers from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) have made a key discovery regarding seismic activity in Mexico City (CDMX). Professor Darío Solano, an expert in interferometry and leader of the project, revealed the identification of two underground faults that are causing microseisms in the southern area of the capital.
In a collaboration between the Faculty of Engineering (FIUNAM) and the Institute of Geophysics (GeofísicaUNAM), scientists were able to locate these two underground faults through the analysis of satellite data from synthetic aperture radar interferometry. This specialized technique allowed for the study of ground movement through images obtained from space.
According to the report titled "The interaction of slow-slip faults beneath Mexico City induces intense seismicity for months," the microseisms recorded in May and December 2023 were caused not by a single fault, as initially thought, but by two distinct faults located around Mixcoac and Barranca del Muerto. These faults, separated by just 800 meters, are oriented east-west and align with the topography of the area.
Darío Solano detailed that the mentioned microseisms resulted from the slipping of tectonic blocks at less than 700 meters depth. Although they did not cause significant damage, they were perceptible to residents of CDMX due to their proximity and abrupt release of energy, generating moderate magnitude earthquakes.
One of the surprises of the research was the identification of "slow earthquakes," in which the slips of the faults occur gradually without causing large tremors. About 95% of the slipping in the Barranca del Muerto fault in May 2023 was aseismic, while the behavior of the Mixcoac fault in December was similar but more superficial.
The use of satellite monitoring by Solano, specialized in this field, has been fundamental to understanding subsidence and movements of the Earth's surface. He emphasized that this research is an example of how collaboration between different institutions can lead to significant advancements in science.
The study has not only provided detailed information about the dynamics of these faults specifically but has also offered a better understanding of how tectonic movements affect Mexico City, a region historically exposed to seismic activity. The research highlights the importance of employing advanced satellite technology for precise seismic investigations, allowing visualization of the tectonic deformations associated with the microseisms.
In summary, the combination of geomorphological, seismic, and deformation studies through satellite technology provides new opportunities for predicting and monitoring seismic activity in densely populated urban areas like Mexico City. This study involved several renowned researchers, demonstrating the valuable collaboration between different areas of UNAM for the development of significant results in this field of research.
