Aftershock Analysis of the 2005 November 27 Qeshm Island Earthquake (Zagros - Iran)

A moderate earthquake (MW= 6.0) struck the Qeshm Island in the Hormozgan province on November 27, 2005 (17:22 GMT) and resulted in a severe damage and about 10 casualties. The main-shock was followed by an aftershock with magnitude MW=5.5 with different focal mechanisms from main-shock. A dense local network including 17 stations was installed in the region for aftershock study. Analysis of aftershock data shows diffuse distribution of the aftershocks; however, an alignment trending NW consistent with main shock focal mechanism is clear at depth. Two types of focal mechanisms can be observed: strike-slip and reverse. Diffused pattern of aftershock seismicity and focal mechanisms do not allow us to make a distinction between two possible explanations: occurrence of the second event in NW oriented strike-slip fault or partitioning of the deformation in the western border of the Hormoz Straight by reverse and left-lateral strike-slip faults.