Constraints for the recent tectonics of the El Salvador Fault Zone, Central America Volcanic Arc, from morphotectonic analysis

•Study of the transtensional component of El Salvador Fault Zone.•Along-strike variations of the slip-rate of El Triunfo Fault.•Hypothesis of a recent rotation in the maximum shortening direction.•Current deformation through the reactivation of pre-existing structures.

We have used hypsometric analysis to improve our understanding of the current tectonic deformation and structure of El Salvador Fault Zone; a N90°E oriented strike-slip fault zone that extends 150 km through El Salvador, Central America. Our results indicate an important amount of transtensive strain along this fault zone, providing new data to understand the tectonic evolution of the Salvadorian volcanic arc. We have defined kilometric scale tectonic blocks and its relative vertical movements, length of segments with homogeneous vertical motions and lateral relay of active structures. We have identified and quantified slip-rate variations along-strike of the El Triunfo fault within El Salvador Fault Zone, ranging from 4.6 mm/year in its central parts to 1 mm/year towards the tips of the fault. This study supports the hypothesis of a recent rotation in the maximum shortening direction, and the accommodation of the current deformation through the reactivation of pre-existing structures inherited from a previous tectonic regime.