Enriquillo-Plantain Garden Fault
The Enriquillo-Plantain Garden Fault is a significant geological fault located in the Caribbean region, primarily affecting the island of Hispaniola, which is shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic. This fault is part of the boundary between the Caribbean and North American tectonic plates, making it an area of high seismic activity. It has been responsible for several notable earthquakes in the region.
The fault extends approximately 160 kilometers and is characterized by a right-lateral strike-slip movement. This means that as the tectonic plates shift, the land on either side of the fault moves horizontally past each other. Understanding the Enriquillo-Plantain Garden Fault is crucial for assessing earthquake risks and implementing safety measures in the surrounding communities.