Abstract
The Gibraltar Arc includes the Betic and Rif Cordilleras surrounding the Alboran Sea; it is formed at the northwest–southeast Eurasia–Nubia convergent plate boundary in the westernmost Mediterranean. Since 2006, the Campo de Dalias GNSS network has monitored active tectonic deformation of the most seismically active area on the north coast of the Alboran Sea. Our results show that the residual deformation rates with respect to Eurasia range from 1.7 to 3.0 mm/year; roughly homogenous west-southwestward displacements of the northern sites occur, while the southern sites evidence irregular displacements towards the west and northwest. This deformation pattern supports simultaneous east-northeast–west-southwest extension, accommodated by normal and oblique faults, and north-northwest–south-southeast shortening that develops east-northeast–west-southwest folds. Moreover, the GNSS results point to dextral creep of the main northwest–southeast Balanegra Fault. These GNNS results thus reveal, for the first time, present-day interaction of the roll-back tectonics of the Rif–Gibraltar–Betic slab in the western part of the Gibraltar Arc with the indentation tectonics affecting the eastern and southern areas, providing new insights for improving tectonic models of arcuate orogens.
Highlights
GNSS networks make it possible to determine the present-day strain field, thereby contributing to our overall understanding of active tectonic processes [1]
Recent geological evolution derived from field geological and geophysical studies is completed through analysis of the active tectonic deformation provided by geodetic data [5]
The GNSS Campo de Dalias network shows that the entire region is affected by continuous deformation, including north-northwest–south-southeast convergence accommodated by east-northeast–westsouthwest folds, and orthogonal east-northeast–west-southwest extension accommodated by normal faults
Summary
GNSS networks make it possible to determine the present-day strain field, thereby contributing to our overall understanding of active tectonic processes [1]. Regional networks provide valuable new data on plate motion [2], whereas local networks focus on the most active tectonic structures, mainly formed at plate boundaries. The networks may characterize the fold [3] or fault activity as having creep or seismic behavior [4]. Recent geological evolution derived from field geological and geophysical studies is completed through analysis of the active tectonic deformation provided by geodetic data [5]. Recent geological evolution derived from field geological and geophysical studies in coastal areas, cthome speleatwedarthdrocuognhtinanuailtyysiosfotfetchteonacictivsetrtueccttounreicsdoefffoerrms aatisotnagperotvoidinedtebgyragteeodetic dat complementary—[5o]f.fMshoorreeovaenrd, inoncsohasotrael—argeaeso,ltohgeicseaalwobarsdercvoanttiionnusity[6o].f tectonic structures offers a stag. Cenozoic at the EurasiTah–eNGuibbiraa(ltAarfrAicrac) (pFliagtuerbeo1u)nids aarnyA[7lp],icnuerarrecnhtelyd utencdtoenrgicoibnegltadreevgeiloonpaeld since th Cenozoic at the Eurasia–Nubia (Africa) plate boundary [7], currently undergoing a re northwest–southgeiaosntacl onnovrtehrwgeesntc–esoruattheeoasft4c.o5ntvoer5gmenmce/ryaetearof[84–.512to]; 5itmfomr/myeeadr a[8s–a12r]e; situfltormed as of the Betic Cordrielsleurlta’osf ctohne nBeectitcioCnorthdirloleurga’hs cthonenSetcrtaioitnotfhrGoiubgrhaltthaer StotratihteofRGifibCroalrtdairllteorath,e Rif Cor surrounding the dAillbleorara, nsuSrreoau, ninditnhgetwheesAtlebronrmanoSsteaM, iendtihteerwraensteearnnmSeoas.t Mediterranean Sea
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