Correlations between the Topography-Induced Gravity, Terrain Structure and the Seismicity in the Gulf of Panama

This study presents new maps of the topographic and geophysical setting seismicity in region Gulf Panama. The spatial analysis is based on comparative datasets geoid, free-air gravity anomaly, topography earthquakes. cartographic framework developed using Generic Mapping Tools (GMT) scripting toolset. Seismic activity Central America high due to complex geologic setting, tectonic lithosphere plate subduction. data include Earth Gravitational Model (EGM2008), General Bathymetric Chart Oceans (GEBCO) grids. were collected from Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS) catalogue 1970–2021. variations compared analyse correlations between geophysical, seismic parameters. Free-air gravity, geoid derived high-resolution used investigate their effects main sources region. comparison showed that distribution shallow earthquakes Pacific segment Panama coincides with negative anomalies lower values. results revealed values mountainous regions (Cordilliera de Talamanca, southern coast Peninsula Azuero eastern Panama, 77.5–78.5°W), which correspond roughness highlands. Negative are found over Caribbean Sea basin (−4 0 m). analyses 1740 earthquake events varying by magnitudes 2.9 7.8 at depths up 225 m (near west Colombia). A concentration western Panama’s shelf waters (~82–83.5°W), border Colombia (~77–78.5°W). High (over 220 mGal) match geodynamic processes associated structure geodetic effects. defined Chiriqui part