Diverse pattern of strain at the Afar triple junction

Strain and seismicity show us the mode by which deformation is accommodated in rifting continents. Here we present a combined analysis of InSAR derived strain maps and seismicity of the Afar triple junction from 2006 to 2010. Our analysis shows that that the plate spreading motion is accommodated in different modes. A dogbone-shaped seismicity and strain distribution dominates the northern branch of the triple junction, likely as a result of repeated dike intrusions 2005-2010. In the eastern branch strain is distributed across the central part of several overlapping rifts while seismicity appears decoupled from strain and it focuses at the rifts tips. A third branch shows a narrow and elongated zone of both high strain and seismicity. The pattern suggests that the history of magmatic intrusions and rifting events creates a diverse triple junction accommodation zone.