Global Positioning System Strain Research Articles

Characteristics of Regional GPS Crustal Deformation before the 2021 Yunnan Yangbi Ms 6.4 Earthquake and Its Implications for Determining Potential Areas of Future Strong Earthquakes

The 2021 Yangbi Ms 6.4 earthquake in Yunnan, China, occurred in an area where the Global Positioning System (GPS) geodetic observations are particularly intensive. Based on a detailed retrospective analysis of the GPS observations of about 133 stations distributed in the proximately 400 km × 400 km region that contains the area affected by the earthquake., we obtain a high-resolution GPS velocity field and strain rate field and then derive the present-day slip rates of major faults in the region with the commonly used half-space elastic dislocation model and constraints from the GPS velocity field. Furthermore, by calculating the seismic moment accumulation and release and deficit rates in the main fault segments and combining with the distribution characteristics of small earthquakes, we evaluate the regional seismic risk. The results show that (1) there was a localized prominent strain accumulation rate around the seismogenic area of the impending Yangbi Ms 6.4 earthquake, although this was not the only area with a prominent strain rate in the whole region. (2) The seismogenic area of the earthquake was just located where the strain direction was deflected, which, together with the localized outstanding maximum shear strain and dilatation rates, provides us with important hints to determine the potential areas of future strong earthquakes. (3) Of all the seismogenic fault segments with relatively high potentials, judged using the elapsed time of historical earthquakes and effective strain accumulation rate, the middle section of the Weixi–Qiaohou fault has a higher earthquake risk than the southern section, the Midu–Binchuan section of the Chenghai fault has a higher risk than the Yongsheng section and the Jianchuan section of the Jianchuan–Qiaohou–Lijiang–Xiaojinhe fault has a higher risk than the Lijiang section.

Two-layer model of anisotropy beneath Myanmar and Thailand revealed by shear-wave splitting

The first model of two layers is presented to study the anisotropy pattern beneath Myanmar and Thailand using shear-wave splitting. Teleseismic activity recorded by 15 permanent broadband stations was analysed to investigate the anisotropy and to understand the flow direction in the mantle. The flow direction and speed were observed in the forms of fast polarisation direction (𝜙) and delay time (𝛿𝑡) between fast and slow components. The measurements showed that a two-layer model beneath stations better explicates the splitting observations than a single-layer model. The upper and lower layers were interpreted as lithosphere and asthenosphere in similar patterns and compared with GPS (Global Positioning System) velocity fields and strain rate fields. Two groups of 𝜙 can be classified and matched with West-Burma Terrane (WBT) and Shan-Thai Terrane (STT). The 𝜙 represents that West-Burma Terrane moves in a northward direction, Shan-Thai Terrane and Indo-China Terrane (ICT) move in a south-eastern direction, and West-Burma Terrane has less anisotropy of 𝜙 than Shan-Thai Terrane.

Stress and Strain Characteristics before the Mw 7.3 Maduo Earthquake and Its Implications for Future Earthquakes on the Maqin–Maqu Fault

ABSTRACT To determine the crustal deformation and the stress–strain accumulation characteristics preceding the Mw 7.3 Maduo earthquake and the seismic potential of the Maqin–Maqu fault segment, the seismic data from small earthquake events and Global Positioning System (GPS) observations stations are collected. The b-value, the GPS velocity field, the GPS baseline, and the GPS strain parameters for multiple areas are calculated and analyzed. The results show a low b-value anomaly in the epicenter and its adjacent areas before the earthquake, which suggest that the stress level of the medium in this area was high before the earthquake. The regional GPS velocity field indicates that the earthquake epicenter is in an area where strain energy accumulates at varying slip rates and orientations. The deformation rates of the northeast-oriented baselines on the east side of the fault and the northwest-oriented baselines on the west side of the fault are lower than those observed near the three near north–south-oriented baselines, reflecting a small compressive deformation that occurred at the epicenter before the earthquake. Meanwhile, the motion of baselines QHYS-QHMD, QHYS-QHMQ, and QHGE-SCSP noticeably decreased, indicating that the area near the fault had already stored a great deal of strain energy prior to the earthquake. The rate of plane strain reduced in the epicenter region before the earthquake gradually since the second half of 2019, illustrating the deficit points to high stress conditions in the epicenter area. Furthermore, the area near the epicenter was characterized by high strain accumulation before the earthquake. The Maqin–Maqu segment of the East Kunlun fault is likely to be capable of generating strong earthquakes in the near future, because the current state of the area is similar to that of the Maduo epicenter before the onset of the earthquake.

Structural Inheritance Control on Intraplate Present‐Day Deformation: GPS Strain Rate Variations in the Saint Lawrence Valley, Eastern Canada

AbstractStructural inheritance is one of the key factors commonly proposed to control the localization of strain and seismicity in continental intraplate regions, primarily on the basis of a first‐order spatial correlation between seismicity and inherited tectonic structures. In this paper, we present new GPS (Global Positioning System) velocity and strain rate analyses that provide strong constraints on the magnitude and style of present‐day strain localization associated with the inherited tectonic structures of the Saint Lawrence Valley, eastern Canada. We analyze 143 continuous and campaign GPS stations to calculate velocity and strain rate patterns, with specific emphases on the combination of continuous and campaign velocity uncertainties, and on the definition of robustness categories for the strain rate estimations. Within the structural inheritance area, strain rates are on average 2–11 times higher than surrounding regions and display strong lateral variations of the style of deformation. These GPS velocity and strain rate fields primarily reflect ongoing glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA). Their comparison with GIA model predictions allows us to quantify the impact of the structural inheritance and the associated lithosphere rheology weakening. Outside of the major tectonic inheritance area, GPS and GIA model strain rates agree to first order, both in style and magnitude. In contrast, the Saint Lawrence Valley displays strong strain amplification with GPS strain rates 6–28 times higher than model‐predicted GIA strain rates. Our results provide the first quantitative constraints on the impact of lithospheric‐scale structural inheritance on strain localization in intraplate domains.

The Argentine Precordillera: A foreland thrust belt proximal to the subducted plate

The Precordillera thrust belt of western Argentina is anomalously close, both horizontally and vertically, to the coeval subduction zone of the Nazca plate. The thin-skinned part of the belt has an unusually deep decollement that is well defined by industry seismic reflection and recent broadband experiments. New area and line-length balanced cross sections show that the central Precordillera has accrued ∼90 ± 21 km of shortening since 13 Ma; much of that shortening occurred between 12 and 9 Ma. Fault-slip data generally show shortening approximately west-northwest–east-southeast, orthogonal to the traces of the thrust and folds in the Precordillera and oblique to the mean vector of local global positioning system (GPS) data. The GPS strain rate is –63 ± 9 × 10 –9 /yr, whereas strain rate in the thrust belt, averaged over 13 m.y., is –56 ± 4 × 10 –9 /yr. Although the decollement of the Precordillera cannot cut into Paleozoic Cuyania(?) terrane basement east of the crest of the high Andes, broadband receiver function data show that significant crustal thickening must occur beneath and even east of the thrust belt. We suggest that top-to-the-west shear and thickening of the lower crust due to flat subduction explains the distribution of crustal thickening.

Seismic hazard in western Canada from GPS strain rates versus earthquake catalog

[1] Probabilistic seismic hazard analyses (PSHA) are commonly based on frequency - magnitude statistics from 50–100 yearlong earthquake catalogs, assuming that these statistics are representative of the longer-term frequency of large earthquakes. We test an alternative PSHA approach in continental western Canada, including adjacent areas of northwestern U.S.A., using regional strain rates derived from 179 Global Positioning System (GPS) horizontal velocities. GPS strain rates are converted to earthquake statistics, seismic moment rates, and ground shaking probabilities in seismic source zones using a logic-tree method for uncertainty propagation. Median GPS-based moment rates and shaking estimates agree well with those derived from earthquake catalogs in only two zones (Puget Sound and mid-Vancouver Island). In most other zones, median GPS-based moment rates are 6–150 times larger than those derived from earthquake catalogs (shaking estimates 2–5 times larger), although the GPS-based and catalog estimates commonly agree within their 67% uncertainties. This discrepancy may represent an under-sampling of long-term moment rates and shaking by earthquake catalogs in some zones; however a systematic under-sampling is unlikely over our entire study area. Although not demonstrated with a high confidence level, long-term regional aseismic deformation may account for a significant part of the GPS/catalog discrepancy and, in some areas, represent as much as 90% of the total deformation budget. In order to integrate GPS strain rates in PSHA models, seismic versus aseismic partitioning of long-term deformation needs to be quantified and understood in terms of the underlying mechanical processes.

Mechanics of V-shaped conjugate strike-slip faults and the corresponding continuum mode of continental deformation

V-shaped conjugate strike-slip faults occur widely on Earth, Venus, and Mars in the solar system. They commonly lie at 60°–75° in map view from the maximum compressive stress (σ 1 ) direction. This fault pattern cannot be explained directly by the Coulomb fracture criterion, which predicts the formation of X-shaped shear fractures at 30° from the σ 1 direction. Possible explanations of this odd fault geometry include rotation of early formed Coulomb fractures or reactivation of preexisting weakness. Here, we show that none of these mechanisms is feasible for the formation of a late Cenozoic conjugate strike-slip fault system in central Tibet. Instead, its initiation can be best explained by distributed deformation during the formation of two parallel and adjoining shear zones that have opposing senses of shear. Our suggestion is based on the current global positioning system (GPS) velocity field in Tibet, which can be divided into two east-trending shear zones: a northern left-slip zone consisting of active ENE-striking left-slip faults, and a southern right-slip zone consisting of active WNW-striking right-slip faults. The correlation between the GPS strain field and the fault pattern suggests that the central Tibet conjugate faults may have initiated as two sets of Riedel shears in the two parallel but separate shear zones. Because the two east-trending shear zones also experience north-south contraction, we refer to this mechanism of conjugate-fault formation as paired general-shear (PGS) deformation. Assuming a Newtonian fluid, the observed Tibetan GPS velocity field requires the paired shear zones to have formed either by gravitational spreading of the Tibetan lithosphere or a horizontal shear at the base of the upper crust or mantle lithosphere. We demonstrate the feasibility of the two inferred mechanisms for the formation of V-shaped conjugate faults using simple sandbox experiments. Our paired general-shear (PGS) model implies that the combined effect of the state of strain and the state of stress favors only one set (i.e., Riedel shear) of Coulomb conjugate shear fractures under general shear flow. It also requires continuum deformation rather than discrete extrusion tectonics as the most dominant mode of deformation during the late Cenozoic development of the central Tibetan Plateau.

Recent crustal deformation of İzmir, Western Anatolia and surrounding regions as deduced from repeated GPS measurements and strain field

To investigate contemporary neotectonic deformation in İzmir, Western Anatolia and in its neighborhood, a relatively dense Global Positioning System (GPS) monitoring network was established in 2001. Combination of three spatially dense GPS campaigns in 2001, 2003 and 2004 with temporally dense campaigns between 1992 and 2004 resulted in a combined velocity field representing active deformation rate in the region. We computed horizontal and vertical velocity fields with respect to Earth-centered, Earth-fixed ITRF2000, to Eurasia and to Anatolia as well. The rates of principal and shear strains along with rigid-body rotation rates were derived from velocity field. Results show east–west shortening between Karaburun Peninsula and northern part of İzmir Bay together with the extension of İzmir Bay in accordance with general extension regime of Western Anatolia and Eastern Agea. East–west shortening and north–south extension of Karaburun Peninsula are closely related to right-lateral faulting and a clockwise rotation. There exists a block in the middle of the peninsula with a differential motion at a rate of 3–5 ± 1 mm/year and 5–6 ± 1 mm/year to the east and south, respectively. As is in Western Anatolia, north–south extension is dominant in almost all parts of the region despite the fact that they exhibit significantly higher rates in the middle of the peninsula. Extensional rates along Tuzla Fault lying nearly perpendicular to İzmir Bay and in its west are maximum in the region with an extension rate of 300–500 ± 80–100 nanostrain/year and confirm its active state. Extensional rates in other parts of the region are at level of 50–150 nanostrain/year as expected in the other parts of Western Anatolia.

GPS crustal strain, postglacial rebound, and seismic hazard in eastern North America: The Saint Lawrence valley example

We present Global Positioning System (GPS) measurements that constrain the amplitude, pattern, and origin of crustal deformation in the Saint Lawrence valley, Québec, one of the most seismically active regions of eastern North America. The GPS network shows coherent southeastward motion of 0.6 ± 0.2 mm yr−1, relative to North America, and uplift of 2.6 ± 0.4 mm yr−1. Network average horizontal strain rates are mostly ESE‐WNW shortening at (1.7 ± 1.0) × 10−9 yr−1. The shortening rate across the Charlevoix seismic zone is about twice as big as the regional average. These measurements are consistent with both postglacial rebound (PGR) models and the deformation style indicated by earthquake focal mechanisms. Although the GPS data do not discriminate between various models of crustal deformation, they provide important constraints on large earthquake recurrence. Assuming that the GPS strain estimates are representative of seismic moment release, they constrain the maximum magnitude of truncated Gutenberg‐Richter recurrence statistics in the Charlevoix seismic zone to MX = 7.8 ± 0.6 (one M ≥ 7 earthquake per 400–1300 years). The remarkable agreement between the GPS strain rates, seismic catalogue statistics, and PGR predictions suggests that in Charlevoix, most of the PGR‐driven crustal strain may be released by large (M ≥ 7) earthquakes. In the rest of the Saint Lawrence valley, PGR strain rates are significantly larger than seismic strain rates, suggesting either that PGR deformation remains mostly elastic or that large events are more frequent than indicated by small earthquake statistics (i.e., characteristic earthquakes).

GPS deformation in a region of high crustal seismicity: N. Cascadia forearc

We estimate the rate of crustal deformation in the central and northern Cascadia forearc based on a combination of existing global positioning system (GPS) velocity data along the Cascadia subduction zone. GPS strain rates and velocities show that the northwestern Washington–southwestern British Columbia region is currently shortening at 3–3.5 mm yr −1 in a N–S direction, in good agreement with inference from crustal earthquake statistics. On the long-term, the shortening rate is 5–6 mm yr −1, providing that the subduction-related interseismic loading of the margin is purely elastic. Compared to the velocity of the Oregon forearc with respect to North America (∼7 mm yr −1), this indicates that most of the forearc motion is accommodated in the Puget–Georgia basin area, corresponding to the main concentration of crustal seismicity. The difference between the current and long-term shortening rates may be taken up during subduction megathrust earthquakes. Thus, these events could produce a sudden increase of N–S compression in the Puget sound region and could trigger major Seattle-fault-type crustal earthquakes.

Full interseismic locking of the Nankai and Japan‐west Kurile subduction zones: An analysis of uniform elastic strain accumulation in Japan constrained by permanent GPS

We analyze permanent Global Positioning System (GPS) data obtained over Japan between 1995 and 1997 to estimate the instantaneous interseismic coupling ratio of the seismogenic zones due to the subduction of the Pacific and Philippine Sea plates below the Japanese islands. We first derive the GPS strain rate fields that characterize the crustal deformation of southern and northern Japan and invert them to determine the effective subduction velocity along the central Nankai trough on one side and the Japan‐west Kurile trench on the other. These “reference free” velocities are close to those predicted by plate motion models with respect to Eurasia. We conclude that the Eurasian reference frame gives a good approximation to the subduction motion and that to first order, both subduction zones were fully locked during the period of measurements. We then test whether the coupling ratio shows local variations within the seismogenic zones. To do this, we divide the subduction interface into 35 km×30 km elements that we model by point source groups, and we invert the GPS velocity field referenced to Eurasia to derive the coupling ratio (between 0 and 1) on each fault element. The results are coherent over the 3 years and confirm that both the central Nankai and the Japan‐west Kurile seismogenic zones are homogeneously fully locked. Most of the coupling ratios are close to 1 and a few are close to 0; intermediate values are rare. The zones of decoupling correspond either to strong postseismic afterslip associated with the 1994 Sanriku‐Oki interplate earthquake (Japan trench) or to a small overestimation of the actual lower limit of the locked zone. We conclude that within the resolution of the GPS data and the model, (1) partial coupling did not exist during these 3 years along the Nankai and Japan‐west Kurile trenches; (2) the small seismic coupling ratio previously derived from earthquakes analysis for the Japan and Kurile trenches may indicate that a significant part of the elastic energy is dissipated silently through slow earthquakes and postseismic afterslip; and (3) the heterogeneous coseismic slip pattern observed for the large and great earthquakes that rupture both subduction zones is in great contrast to the homogeneous loading. Finally, we discuss the nonelastic residual deformation within the frame of the long‐term deformation of the Japanese islands.

Geodetic Evidence for Tectonic Deformation in the Eastern United States

Abstract The historic geodetic data base in the eastern United States dates back over 100 years. Although instrumentation and hence measurement precision has improved since the initial observations, the basic techniques [leveling, triangulation, water level gauging] remained unchanged until the recent introduction of space geodesy [Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI), Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR), Global Positioning System (GPS)]. Because of this, it has been possible to compare repeated observations to identify apparent changes in relative positions. Such “changes” can reflect observational errors, non-tectonic movements (water level effects, monument instability, loading, etc.) or tectonic/isostatic deformation. A number of possible deformation features in the eastern U. S. have been reported in the literature, including uplift of the southern Appalachian and Adirondack mountains, doming of the Gulf coast inland of the Mississippi delta, subsidence of Chesapeak Bay and along the coast of Maine, horizontal deformation in New York and Connecticut, and possible fault related deformation near Charleston and in the New Madrid area. Unfortunately, it is not dear to what extent any of these features represent tectonic deformations and hence what their significance may be for the earthquake problem. An important recent development in monitoring regional deformation has been the establishment of the eastern U. S. GPS strain network by the National Geodetic Survey. The network consists of roughly 45 sites uniformly distributed east of the Rocky Mountains. The network was established in 1987 and will be reobserved in 1989. Subsequent reobservations will be made at 2 to 5 year intervals depending on analysis of the early measurements. Given the precision of the GPS measurements (few cm in 3-D relative positions), a considerable time period will be required to detect the subtle deformations expected for this intraplate region. Perhaps more immediate information will result from recent progress in recognizing and correcting systematic errors in the historic geodetic data base. This, together with the newly automated historic data base, and improved techniques for integrating and analyzing these extensive observations, provide the necessary basis for effectively evaluating the deformational features listed above. Given the potential importance of these data for understanding tectonic processes (and the huge expense of collecting these measurements over the pst century), such studies should be an integral part of future earthquake studies in the eastern U. S.