Active crustal deformation and rotations in the southwestern Balkans from continuous GPS measurements

摘要: Abstract The western limb of the Hellenic Arc defines boundary a large intracontinental active extensional domain covering Aegean and southwestern part Balkan peninsula. Along this transition from collision in north to subduction south is associated with post-Miocene clockwise rotations ∼ 50 ∘ . We present new GPS velocity field that, permanent station velocities Albania, Bulgaria, Kosovo, Montenegro, Northern Macedonia, provides insights into previously unresolved aspects on large-scale dynamics continental lithosphere relation between long short-term kinematics. In particular we address (1) kinematic description collision/subduction transition, (2) long-term finite geodetically-measured instantaneous rotations, (3) forces maintaining resisting deformation (4) extent its northern boundary. use analogy rigid elongate inclusions predict senses approximate rates rotation crustal blocks deforming region. Across zone rotational pattern found whose spatial sense compatible observed paleomagnetic through occurrence fault-bounded block rotations. Geodetic observations show that vertical axis margin today, distribution are essentially same as defined by data for last 5 Ma. maximum component along wide arrangement central Greece accomodate NE-SW dextral shear transferred Aegan trough. limit rotating hinge (Scutari-Pec transverse zone) has remained stationary throughout Middle Miocene (relative upper plate system) important implications strength Arc. style controlled gravitational forces, driving flow material towards low-lying adjacent regions sea floor, heterogeneous resistive