3D GNSS Velocity Field Sheds Light on the Deformation Mechanisms in Europe: Effects of the Vertical Crustal Motion on the Distribution of Seismicity

Abstract

Crustal deformation and seismicity in Europe are still poorly understood. Seismic activity is classically ascribed to crustal strain rates generated by edge-driven tectonic forces. However, crustal deformation is not only due to tectonic loading, but can also be related to isostatic and mantellic processes that induce additional stress and strain on the crust by flexure. The influence that those processes have on seismic activity, as well their interaction, is still controversial. The main limitation to study it is because the deformation and its causal mechanisms are usually analyzed separately in small regions. We present here a 3D secular velocity field that covers Eurasia and its plate boundaries including 4,863 Global Navigation Satellite System stations obtained by combining 10 different datasets. We have developed a method based on spatial filtering to identify outliers and smooth the velocity field, and have computed both strain and uplift rate maps that are interpreted in the light of the different driving processes that contribute to the 3D deformation in Europe. The vertical and horizontal deformation features are compared with seismic rates obtained from the spatial and temporal distribution of the seismicity in Europe. Our results suggest that is not possible to explain the seismicity in Europe with edge-driven horizontal tectonic forces only. In some areas markers of the crustal flexure such as the vertical velocity field and its derivative, resulting from buoyancy-driven processes, may help to interpret earthquake distribution.