Stress distribution at the transition from subduction to continental collision (northwestern and central Betic Cordillera)

We analyze focal mechanisms of shallow‐intermediate earthquakes in a NW‐SE transect along the western Betic Cordillera and Alboran Sea, and deep earthquakes located in the central Betics to constrain the state of stress at the Gibraltar Arc slow convergence area. Shallow earthquakes (620 km) show very similar focal mechanisms, fitting the general slab behavior of resistance to further descent at the 660 km discontinuity. Seismicity features evidence the present‐day stress distribution in a context of transition from subduction to continental collision. Key Points State of stress at the Gibraltar Arc Arched remnant subducted slab has evolved to a context of continental collision Present‐day subduction at the Gibraltar Arc is practically deceased