Intraplate deformation in western Europe deduced from an analysis of the International Terrestrial Reference Frame 1997 (ITRF97) velocity field

摘要: Although tectonic deformation in western Europe is essentially concentrated the Appenines and Alpine (Alps, Pyrenees) mountain ranges, several large historical instrumentally recorded earthquakes (M>6) are known supposedly “stable” part of Europe. Because its accuracy internal consistency at a global scale, International Terrestrial Reference Frame 1997 (ITRF97) velocity field allows testing intraplate rigidity millimeter per year level. Using full statistical information available on ITRF97 velocities, we identify subset sites located central that satisfies rigid cap rotation with residual velocities <1 mm/yr therefore provide stable reference frame (SERF). In this find European ITRF consistent active features. We northward motion Italy, Adriatic block rather than plate westward westernmost order 1–2 relative to The agrees current extension Tyrrhenian sea Apennines. Europe, eastern Alps Carpathians. range our results indicate E-W across N-S compression Alps, agreement strain regime deduced from seismotectonic observations. Belgium Netherlands 1–1.5 northwest all sites, most likely accommodated along Upper Lower Rhine Graben structures. An important outcome study identification an area usually interpreted as This result should be further checked new, denser, more accurate space geodetic data sets longer observation time spans, become for