Intermediate-Depth Earthquakes Controlled by Incoming Plate Hydration Along Bending-Related Faults

Intermediate-depth earthquakes (focal depths 70–300 km) are enigmatic with respect to their nucleation and rupture mechanism and the properties controlling their spatial distribution. Several recent studies have shown a link between intermediate-depth earthquakes and the thermal-petrological path of subducting slabs in relation to the stability field of hydrous minerals. Here we investigate whether the structural characteristics of incoming plates can be correlated with the intermediate-depth seismicity rate. We quantify the structural characteristics of 17 incoming plates by estimating the maximum fault throw of bending-related faults. Maximum fault throw exhibits a statistically significant correlation with the seismicity rate. We suggest that the correlation between fault throw and intermediate-depth seismicity rate indicates the role of hydration of the incoming plate, with larger faults reflecting increased damage, greater fluid circulation, and thus more extensive slab hydration.