Local seismotectonic analysis of the July 2019 Molucca Sea earthquake sequence based on moment tensor solutions

Abstract We investigate the local seismotectonic of the Molucca Sea area using moment tensor calculations for the earthquakes that occurred in July 2019 at a depth of 10–55 km. The mainshock of Mw 6.8 occurred on July 7, followed by aftershocks until July 18, with magnitudes ranging from Mw 4.6 to Mw 5.8. Moment tensor solutions are calculated by applying Isolated Asperities (ISOLA) software using the full waveform data recorded at regional seismic stations. The analyzed frequency bands used in this study are 0.01–0.03 Hz and 0.04–0.05 Hz for the event with Mw ≥ 5 and Mw < 5, respectively. We provide validations of new moment tensor solutions for Mw < 5 events in the Molucca Sea region for the period during the earthquake sequence. The results show that thrust and oblique faults are dominant during this event, which indicate a compressional stress of divergent double subduction (DDS) of the Sangihe and Halmahera arcs. Only one full moment tensor solution reveals the normal fault mechanism, which may indicate the manifestation of strain release of compressional stress in the surrounding area. Furthermore, these results also support the previous studies suggesting that the Talaud-Mayu Ridge located in the middle of the Molucca Sea has developed as a consequence of the transpressional tectonic activity