Recent vertical crustal movements of the Carpatho-Balkan region

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The Academies of Science and the Geodetic Offices of the countries in the Carpatho-Balkan region (CBR) have been examining the recent vertical crustal movements, mostly by geodetic methods. The total length of the levelling network used in the examinations amounts to 40 000 km; within this are 389 levelling traverses, 249 nodal points and 133 polygons. The time elapsed between the first and the second levellings is 42 years on average. The adjustment was carried out using the correlation method. For the calculation of the velocity values, the data of eight mareographs located at the Adriatic, Baltic and Black Sea were used. The accuracy of the mareographic data is ± 0.1 – ± 1.2 mm/ yr and that of the nodal points ± 0.3 – ± 1.4 mm/ yr. Eustatical effects were neglected. The Map of the Crustal Movements at the scale 1: 1,000,000 was compiled. Together with its planimetry and hydrography, the map presents the mareographs, the repeated levelling network, the isovelocity lines and the relevant tectonic characteristics as well as the earthquake epicentres of greater intensity. The examination shows relatively little vertical crustal movement ranging from −4 to +6 mm/yr for the CBR. An uplift was found for the Carpathians in those parts outside the Carpathians Minor. A slight uplift was also found for the Carpathian Basin. For most of the Yugoslav coast subsidence was recorded, otherwise uplifting and subsiding zones alternate in the Balkan region.