Tectonic faults are fractures in the Earth's crust where there is relative displacement of rocks on either side of the fracture. These geological structures are responsible for much of the seismic activity on the planet, as the release of accumulated energy along the faults generates earthquakes. The region of Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, is located in a geologically active area due to the proximity of a major tectonic fault.
Mexico lies in one of the most complex tectonic zones in the world, where several tectonic plates converge, including the Cocos Plate, the Pacific Plate, and the North American Plate. This convergence is responsible for the high seismicity in the country, particularly along the Pacific coast. Puerto Vallarta, being located on Mexico's western coast, is part of this tectonic dynamic.
The fault that culminates in the Puerto Vallarta area is part of the fault system that borders the Pacific coast. This system includes the famous San Andreas Fault in California, extending south through the Gulf of California and affecting areas such as Bahía de Banderas, where Puerto Vallarta is located. The fault in this region is known for its seismic activity and its influence on the terrain's morphology.
The fault in Puerto Vallarta is a transform fault, which means that the tectonic plates slide laterally against each other. This type of fault is less prone to generating large earthquakes like those associated with subduction faults, but it can still produce significant .