Crustal velocity and strain rate fields in the Balearic Islands based on continuous GPS time series from the XGAIB network (2010–2013)

Abstract

In this paper, we present a first estimation, using the GIPSY-OASIS software, of the crustal velocity and strain rate fields in the Balearic Islands (Spain), based on continuous GPS observations from the XGAIB network spanning the period 2010–2013. The XGAIB network consists of nine permanent, widely distributed stations that have operated continuously since 2010. In this paper, we describe the XGAIB network and the CGPS data processing and present our principle results in terms of the position time series and velocities of all of the sites, which were observed for more than three and a half years. In addition, strain tensors were estimated from the velocity field to obtain the first realistic crustal deformation model of the archipelago. The strains exhibit gradual variation across the Balearic Islands, from WNW–ESE extension in the southwest (Ibiza and Formentera) to NW–SE compression in the northeast (Menorca). These results constitute an advance in our knowledge of the tectonics of the western Mediterranean region.