Towards a High Resolution, Three-component Velocity Field for the Central Andes

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Towards a high resolution, three-component velocity field for the central AndesThis study will use space geodetic measurements (GPS and InSAR) tocreate a high spatial resolution, three-component map of crustalvelocity in the central Andes during the past decade. The primarygoal is to image possible along-strike variations in the inter-seismicdeformation field. While the inter-seismic deformation field isinteresting in its own right, and can be used to determine which partsof the subduction interface are locked (and might rupture in futureearthquakes), the objective is to model this deformation so that itcan be removed. This study seeks to isolate subtle low-amplitudedeformation, including: 1) Bulk post-seismic relaxation followingrecent subduction zone earthquakes. 2) Aseismic motion on shallowcrustal faults related to long-term mountain-building. 3) Magmamovements in deep sub-crustal reservoirs and at low rates in shallowchambers. This study will use methods similar to those of previousstudies (e.g., Peltzer et al., 2001, Wright et al., 2001), but willincrease the amount of data and spatial coverage by 1-2 orders ofmagnitude, from the 10's of scenes of InSAR data used in previousstudies to nearly 1000 scenes.This study will help to better characterize hazards from earthquakesin two different environments -- subduction zones and within thecontinents. This project will also extend our previous surveys ofhundreds of volcanoes for active deformation that could indicatemagmatic movements and the need for further assessment of eruptivehazard. The software that will be developed in this study will becomepublicly available. This study will involve the training of graduateand undergraduate students, and will support an early careerscientist.