Rifting of the Kalahari Craton Through Botswana? New Seismic Evidence

Botswana is a country with relatively low seismic activity that experienced an unexpected Mw 6.5 earthquake on 3 April 2017. Using data from the first countrywide network, we established catalog for period January 2014 to February 2018. Two areas of elevated were detected. The one Okavango Rift Zone in northern Botswana, area known be active. other associated 2017 mainshock and its aftershocks central Botswana; it follows Paleoproterozoic suture between Limpopo Belt Kaapvaal Craton. Double-difference relocation these events revealed reactivated fault system northwesterly strike occurring at shallower depths than 29 km. focal mechanisms selected are normal faulting type strikes similar orientation system. unidirectional rupture lower crust combined upward migration along Moiyabana Fault thin velocity anomaly uppermost mantle consistent being produced by eclogitization dry metastable granulite facies rock fluid intrusion extensional stress regime. generally interpreted as terminus southwestern branch East African System. We suggest recent earthquakes may considered southern continuation this branch.