Influence of Rivera-Cocos Plate Boundary Geodynamics on Earthquake Intensity Patterns: the 9 October 1995 (Mw 8.0) and 21 (22) January 2003 (Mw 7.5) Earthquakes

Abstract

This study examines two large thrust subduction earthquakes occurring within the Rivera-Cocos plate boundary which struck the western coast of México on 9 October 1995, Mw 8.0, and 21 (22 GMT) January 2003, Mw 7.5. The Modified Mercalli (MM) earthquake intensities observed during these earthquakes were surprising for some towns located in the Mexican coastal zone. During the smaller Mw 7.5 2003 earthquake, MM intensity VII was observed for towns of Colima, Villa de Alvarez and Ixtlahuacán, while during the larger Mw 8.0 1995 earthquake, their MM intensities were only IV-V, V and V-VI, respectively. We construct the macroseismic patterns for these two earthquakes and discuss the possible reasons for the significant difference in the outline of the MM VII isoseismals, such as the tectonic setting of epicentral zones and the directivity of rupture processes along and across the coastal line.