Short-term vertical velocity field in the Appennines (Italy) revealed by geodetic levelling data

We estimate current vertical movements along the Apennines (Italy) through repeatedly measured high precision levelling
routes. In order to highlight regional crustal deformation the analysis of a geodetic database, with a minimum benchmark density of
0.7 bm/km (1943–2003 time period), is carried out. We evaluate systematic and random error and their propagation along the
levelling routes. Tests on original raw height data have been carried out to define error propagation. The computed relative vertical
rates stand significantly above error propagation. A series of traverses along and across the Apennines and a map of relative vertical
velocities reveal a geodetic signal characterised by values up to 2.5–3.0 mm/a and by wavelengths up to 100 km.
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