SEISMOTECTONICS OF ZIMBABWE

Abstract

The seismotectonics of Zimbabwe is presented in this paper. Data used in the study are from instrumental records for the period 1910-1991 sourced from available seismological bulletins. Earthquake magnitudes are unified to surface-wave magnitude (Ms), facilitating easy evaluation of seismicity of the region. Seismicity is confined to regions with broad scale lineaments that trend in a north-easterly direction. Seismic hazard potential for Zimbabwe may be inferred from the total magnitude representing the seismic wave energy. Fault plane solutions and energy release during the period of study show that high seismic hazard potential lies along the Deka fault zone mid- Zambezi basin to the north and northwest of Zimbabwe, in the Save-Limpopo mobile belt to the south of Zimbabwe and along the Zimbabwe eastern highlands, bordering Mozambique.