A tectonic pressure pulse and increased geodynamic activity recorded from the long-term monitoring of faults in Europe

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a long-term monitoring study undertaken during the period 2002–2007. The study recorded the displacement of various widely-distributed tectonic structures along the generally aseismic Bohemian Massif (Czech Republic) and specifically along the Sudeten Marginal Fault Zone. The derived results were compared with data recorded over the same time period in the Upper Rhine Graben (Germany), Central Apennines (Italy), and the Gulf of Corinth (Greece). It is clear that a tectonic pressure pulse initiated a period of increased geodynamic activity across central and southern Europe during the course of our monitoring. Within the Bohemian Massif, the pressure pulse was first recorded in mid 2003 and the ensuing period of increased geodynamic activity lasted for nearly three years. This period is associated with compression along the Sudeten Marginal Fault Zone. The southern flank was repeatedly downthrust beneath the northern flank, which caused the latter to continually uplift and subside. The period of increased geodynamic activity was terminated by two strong local earthquakes. Consequently, it is considered that this period induced earthquake activity within the Bohemian Massif. When taken together, the presented data provides robust evidence for the reconfiguration of stress and strain relationships within central and southern Europe. Whilst it is possible that tectonic activity in the Alps produced a north-verging pressure pulse that affected central Europe (e.g. in the Bohemian Massif and Upper Rhine Graben), it cannot account for the pressure pulse recognised to the south (e.g. in the Central Apennines and the Gulf of Corinth). Due to the predominance of vertical movements, it is suggested that this reconfiguration results from deep seated processes within the lithosphere–asthenosphere. However, the influence of horizontal movements transmitted from the compressional zone between Africa and Europe cannot be discounted.