Background on the Situation
Following a 4.5 magnitude earthquake on May 11th, sismólogos from the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL) are investigating whether a geothermal fault in Galeana, south of the state, could be responsible for potentially larger earthquakes in the future.
Who is Juan Carlos Montalvo Arrieta?
Juan Carlos Montalvo Arrieta is a researcher from the Faculty of Earth Sciences at UANL. His expertise in geology and seismology has led him to study the Galeana fault, which has recently gained attention due to a series of earthquakes in 2023.
The Galeana Fault and Its Potential Impact
Located approximately 100 kilometers from the Monterrey metropolitan area and 70-80 kilometers from Saltilco, Coahuila, the Galeana fault is of concern due to its proximity and potential for generating significant earthquakes.
- Segmented Structure: The fault is segmented into five parts, with the largest stretching 11 kilometers in length.
- Magnitude Potential: If a single segment activates, it could produce a 5.0 magnitude earthquake; however, if all five segments rupture simultaneously, the event could reach up to 7.0 on the Richter scale.
- Historical Context: A significant earthquake occurred in 1841 near Punta Santa Elena, close to the borders of Nuevo León, Coahuila, and Zacatecas. This event supports the hypothesis of seismic activity linked to faults in the northeastern region.
Although Nuevo León is distant from major tectonic plate boundaries like the Cocos Plate or the San Andreas Fault, recent studies have identified geothermal faults in northeastern Mexico, including one in southern Nuevo León that may pose a greater risk than previously anticipated.
Current Investigative Efforts
To determine if the Galeana fault is active, UANL researchers are analyzing geothermal, topographical, and geophysical indicators alongside paleoseismological studies that reconstruct the region’s seismic history based on ground evidence.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: What is the Galeana fault? A: It’s a geothermal fault located in the municipality of Galeana, south of Nuevo León, which has been identified as a potential source for larger earthquakes.
- Q: Why is the Galeana fault of concern? A: Its proximity to the Monterrey metropolitan area and Saltillo, Coahuila, along with its segmented structure, suggests the possibility of generating significant earthquakes.
- Q: How are researchers investigating the Galeana fault? A: By examining geothermal, topographical, and geophysical indicators, as well as employing paleoseismological studies to understand the region’s seismic history.
- Q: What historical evidence supports the potential for seismic activity in this region? A: The 1841 earthquake near Punta Santa Elena, close to Nuevo León’s borders with Coahuila and Zacatecas, provides evidence of seismic activity linked to faults in the northeastern region.
