GPS‐derived strain rate field within the boundary zones of the Eurasian, African, and Arabian Plates

Abstract

We use the GPS velocity field (1988–1998) for eastern Mediterranean and Asia Minor to determine the crustal deformation strain rate field in an area bounded by 35°N and 43°N, and 20°E and 48°E. We calculate the normal and shear strain rate components associated with the major faults and compare these qualitatively with seismological data. Uncertainties in the calculation of the strain rates reach 50 nstrain yr−1 in sparsely observed parts of Anatolia, whereas we estimate errors <20 nstrain yr−1 in the Aegean and Marmara regions. The largest compressional strain rate components in the eastern part of the study area occur along the Greater Caucasus mountain front reaching 70 nstrain yr−1. (1 nstrain yr−1 = 0.0317 × 10−15 s−1). The North Anatolian Fault Zone is the clearest feature in the shear strain rate field. It is expressed as a pronounced dextral strike‐slip fault zone, reaching rates of up to 170 nstrain yr−1. This holds true also for the Izmit area, where the August 17, 1999, earthquake occurred. Central Anatolia is almost strain‐free, whereas extension prevails in western Anatolia. The principal axes of extension vary around the N‐S direction with strain rates of up to 85 nstrain yr−1. These extensional areas coincide with graben features and normal faulting earthquakes. The central and southwestern Aegean Sea is strain‐free with values far below 40 nstrain yr−1. The seismic cluster around the Dodekanissa islands, southeastern Aegean Sea, coincides with NW‐SE oriented extension, attaining strain rates of up to 90 nstrain yr−1. This area of extension also exhibits recent active volcanism. The entire Hellenic arc shows compressional strain rates perpendicular to the arc. The Pliny‐Strabo troughs along the eastern segment of the arc show left‐lateral shear strain rates reaching 80 nstrain yr−1. Significant extension is found in central Greece, with a NNE‐SSW oriented maximum of 120 nstrain yr−1 centered around the Gulf of Corinthos. The Kephalonia Fault Zone in NW Greece is a distinct dextral fault zone, separating Apulia from the rapidly moving Aegean microplate. Right‐lateral shear strain rates reach 150 nstrain yr−1.