Because the modeling performed in this study assumes that the topographic load is entirely compensated by the negative buoyancy of the deflected Moho, these estimates represent upper bounds. The effect of incorporating thermal support for the topographic load of the Cordillera Blanca would be to further reduce our estimate of the intraplate stress magnitudes. Analysis of the distribution of calculated stress with depth indicates that previous assumptions about the vertical plane shear stress within the lithosphere being negligible are acceptable for the geometry of the Andes. The relationship between topography and the distribution of stress indicators for the Cordillera Blanca region of Peru. Colored regions have elevations between 3 and 4 km and between 4 and 5 km, respectively.
Circular symbols represent focal mechanisms, and square symbols represent geologic indicators.
Solid and open stress indicator symbols represent compressional and extension deformational style, respectively. The orientation of the maximum horizontal compressive stress SHmax is also shown for each indicator. Also shown is the E-W profile at 9.5 degrees S used in the finite element modeling. For further details, please see the manuscript.