Seafloor morphology along the active margin in Guerrero, Mexico: Probable earthquake implications

Submarine geomorphic features on the active margin along the Mexican Pacific coast are the result of subduction process. We analyze bathymetric data and present an overview of the continental slope geomorphology in the Guerrero seismic gap. For the first time we identify and describe submarine landforms in this area, including small-scale forearc basins, trench basin segmentation, narrow accretionary wedge and seamounts. We propose that the presence and formation of forearc basins are related to seamount subduction as well as the origin of higher relief above subducted seamounts. Here, forearc basins and trench sediments are sourced from submarine canyons. Notably, the thickness of sediments along the trench changes due to the presence of seamounts. Some parts of the trench seem to contain little sedimentary fill, which may increase friction along these segments of the subduction zone. •The presence of forearc basins on the active continental margin in Guerrero, Mexico, is related to seamount subduction.•The sediment thickness along the trench varies due to the presence of seamounts obstructing sedimentary input along the trench.•Changes in sediment thickness along the trench may increase friction in the individual segments of the subduction zone.•Seamount subduction in the GSG could potentially trigger earthquakes of Mw ~ 7.5.