Seismicity of the Hellenic subduction zone in the area of western and central Crete observed by temporary local seismic networksSeismicity of the Hellenic subduction zone in the area of western and central Crete observed by temporary local seismic networks Peer-Reviewed Journal Publication Δημοσίευση σε Περιοδικό με Κριτές 2015-10-282004enTemporary local seismic networks were installed in western Crete, in central Crete, and on the island Gavdos south of western Crete, respectively, in order to image shallow seismically active zones of the Hellenic subduction zone. More than 4000 events in the magnitude range between −0.5 and 4.8 were detected and localized. The resulting three-dimensional hypocenter distribution allows the localization of seismically active zones in the area of western and central Crete from the Mediterranean Ridge to the Cretan Sea. Furthermore, a three-dimensional structural model of the studied region was compiled based on results of wide-angle seismics, surface wave analysis and receiver function studies. The comparison of the hypocenter distribution and the structure has allowed intraplate and interplate seismicity to be distinguished. High interplate seismicity along the interface between the subducting African lithosphere and the Aegean lithosphere was found south of western Crete where the interface is located at about 20 to 40 km depth. An offset between the southern border of the Aegean lithosphere and the southern border of active interplate seismicity is observed. In the area of Crete, the offset varies laterally along the Hellenic arc between about 50 and 70 km. A southwards dipping zone of high seismicity within the Aegean lithosphere is found south of central Crete in the region of the Ptolemy trench. It reaches from the interface between the plates at about 30 km depth towards the surface. In comparison, the Aegean lithosphere south of western Crete is seismically much less active including the region of the Ionian trench. Intraplate seismicity within the Aegean plate beneath Crete and north of Crete is confined to the upper about 20 km. Between 20 and 40 km depth beneath Crete, the Aegean lithosphere appears to be seismically inactive. In western Crete, the southern and western borders of this aseismic zone correlate strongly with the coastline of Crete.http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Tectonophysics3833-4149-169 Meier T. Rische, Michael, 1962- Endrun, Brigitte Vafeidis Antonios Βαφειδης Αντωνιος Harjes, Hans-Peter Elsevier Hellenic subduction zone Aegean Temporary local seismic networks Microseismicity Seismogenic zones