Ground Deformation Modelling of the 2020 Mw6.9 Samos Earthquake (Greece) Based on InSAR and GNSS Data

Vassilis Sakkas

doi:10.3390/rs13091665

Abstract

Modelling of combined Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) data was performed to characterize the source of the Mw6.9 earthquake that occurred to the north of Samos Island (Aegean Sea) on 30 October 2020. Pre-seismic analysis revealed an NNE–SSW extensional regime with normal faults along an E–W direction. Co-seismic analysis showed opening of the epicentral region with horizontal and vertical displacements of ~350 mm and ~90 mm, respectively. Line-of-sight (LOS) interferometric vectors were geodetically corrected using the GNSS data and decomposed into E–W and vertical displacement components. Compiled interferometric maps reveal that relatively large ground displacements had occurred in the western part of Samos but had attenuated towards the eastern and southern parts. Alternating motions occurred along and across the main geotectonic units of the island. The best-fit fault model has a two-segment listric fault plane (average slip 1.76 m) of normal type that lies adjacent to the northern coastline of Samos. This fault plane is 35 km long, extends to 15 km depth, and dips to the north at 60° and 40° angles for the upper and lower parts, respectively. A predominant dip-slip component and a substantial lateral one were modelled.

Highlights

The Northern Aegean Sea (Greece) is characterized by a complex geotectonic setting with intense seismic activity (Figure 1)
The NE–SW trending, dextral, strike-slip faulting in the northern Aegean Sea is associated with and linked to the Northern AnatolianFault (NAF), which trends parallel to the North Aegean Trough [5,6,7]
The pre-seismic kinematic study that was based on continuous Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) observations over the broad area of Samos reveals a predominant extensional regime, in agreement are compatible with the tectonic regime

Summary

Introduction

The Northern Aegean Sea (Greece) is characterized by a complex geotectonic setting with intense seismic activity (Figure 1). The kinematic and dynamic models of the area are compatible with plate tectonic motions [3,4] and highlight the occurrence of strong ground deformation and intense seismicity. The NE–SW trending, dextral, strike-slip faulting in the northern Aegean Sea is associated with and linked to the NAF, which trends parallel to the North Aegean Trough [5,6,7]. The eastern part of the Aegean Sea has diverse fault trends and character.

Objectives

Discussion

Conclusion