Crustal deformation at the Sumatran subduction zone revealed by coral rings

Analyses of coral rings grown in the interval 1970-1997 reveal a geographic ally distinct pattern of interseismic uplift off Sumatra's western coast. A t distances less than 110 km from the Sumatran trench, coral reefs are subm erging as fast as 5 mm/y. At 130 and 180 km distance from the trench, they are emerging at similar rates. We suggest that a locked, or partially locke d patch, located above 30 km depth on the upper surface of the subducting o ceanic plate, generates this pattern.