Publication Date:
2017-04-04
Description:
We use 2.5 to 14 years long position time series from 〉800 continuous Global Positioning System (GPS) stations to study vertical deformation rates in the Euro-Mediterranean region. We estimate and remove common mode errors in position time series using a principal component analysis, obtaining a significant gain in the signal-to-noise ratio of the displacements data. Following the results of a maximum likelihood estimation analysis, which gives a mean spectral index ~ 0.7, we adopt a power law + white noise stochastic model in estimating the final vertical rates and find 95% of the velocities within ±2 mm/yr, with uncertainties from filtered time series ~40% smaller than from the unfiltered ones. We highlight the presence of statistically significant velocity gradients where the stations density is higher. We find undulations of the vertical velocity field at different spatial scales both in tectonically active regions, like eastern Alps, Apennines, and eastern Mediterranean, and in regions characterized by a low or negligible tectonic activity, like central Iberia and western Alps. A correlation between smooth vertical velocities and topographic features is apparent in many sectors of the study area. Glacial isostatic adjustment and weathering processes do not completely explain the measured rates, and a combination of active tectonics and deep-seated geodynamic processes must be invoked. Excluding areas where localized processes are likely, or where subduction processes may be active, mantle dynamics is the most likely process, but regional mantle modeling is required for a better understanding.
Description:
Published
Description:
6003–6024
Description:
1T. Geodinamica e interno della Terra
Description:
2T. Tettonica attiva
Description:
1R. Reti di monitoraggio e Osservazioni
Description:
JCR Journal
Description:
restricted
Keywords:
GPS
;
Geodynamics
;
Mediterranean
;
Vertical deformation
;
04. Solid Earth::04.03. Geodesy::04.03.01. Crustal deformations
;
04. Solid Earth::04.03. Geodesy::04.03.06. Measurements and monitoring
;
04. Solid Earth::04.03. Geodesy::04.03.07. Satellite geodesy
;
04. Solid Earth::04.07. Tectonophysics::04.07.01. Continents
;
04. Solid Earth::04.07. Tectonophysics::04.07.02. Geodynamics
;
04. Solid Earth::04.07. Tectonophysics::04.07.04. Plate boundaries, motion, and tectonics
;
04. Solid Earth::04.07. Tectonophysics::04.07.06. Subduction related processes
Repository Name:
Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV)
Type:
article
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