Regional centroid moment tensor solutions in Cyprus from 1977 to the present and seismotectonic implications

We analyzed digital seismic records in
order to extend back in time the catalog of regional
centroid moment tensors (RCMTs) for the Cyprus
region. We applied the analysis and inversion methodology
also used for the present-day seismicity on
seismograms recorded at regional distance. We
computed 18 new regional CMTs of earthquakes of
moderate magnitude (4.8≤M≤5.5) which occurred in
the Cyprus region for the time span 1977–1996.
These new focal mechanisms improved the knowledge
given by the previously computed solutions carried out
by other institutions, as well as the dataset of available
earthquake source parameters. The complete focal
mechanism database contributed to better define the
deformation styles in the study area and to obtain a
detailed characterization of the geodynamics of the
Cyprus area. New RCMTs support the hypothesis that
Cyprus is located in the middle of the transition area from subduction to continental collision along the
Africa–Arabian–Eurasian boundary. In particular, data
confirm (a) this transition zone is strictly located west of
Cyprus, probably related to a tear in the subduction
system, and (b) the still active compression in the
Cyprus Arc can be seen as a starting point of the
continental collision eastward.