Ground deformation studies in Cephallonia island (Western Greece) based on DGPS & PS interferometry

Abstract

Ground deformation studies based on Differential GPS (DGPS) measurements and Permanent Scatterers (PS) Interferometric analysis have been conducted in the seismically active area of the Cephallonia and Ithaca islands. DGPS measurements for the period 2001 to 2010 revealed horizontal component of deformation generally ranging from 3–8 mm/yr with the largest values at the western and southern parts of the island. Considering the vertical deformation, two periods are distinguished on the basis of DGPS and PS Interferometry: The first one (1992 to 2003) is consistent with anticipated motions associated with the main geological and tectonic features of the island. The second one (2003 to 2010) has been tentatively attributed to dilatancy in which relatively small uplift (2–4 mm/yr) occurred along the southern and southeastern parts of the island, while larger magnitudes (>4 mm/yr) took place at the western part of Cephallonia. These large magnitudes of uplift over an extended area (>50 km) are consistent with the hypothesis of dilatancy. On the basis of the analysis of 53 differential ASAR interferograms and the PS product, it has been derived that dilatancy effect should have commenced some time in mid-2005. If this interpretation is correct, it may foreshadow the occurrence of very strong earthquake(s) sometime in the near future.