Present-day Kinematics and Dynamics of the Eastern Mediterranean

我们利用全球定位系统（GPS）的连续测量和测量模式以及其他相关的地质和地球物理信息来阐明东秦岭活动变形的特殊性和时间特征，以及驱动这种变形的力量。地中海/高加索/中东地区，非洲，阿拉伯和欧亚板块相互作用。 我们特别强调了解活动变形和地质构造之间的关系，以及地幔动力学和地壳构造之间的相互作用。我们以前的研究现在提供了一个准确的（≤ 1毫米/年）描述区域变形，这有助于定义控制该板块相互作用区大陆变形的基本原则。这些区域变形模式为我们现在正在进行的更详细的研究提供了框架，包括：（1）表征沿着控制该区域大部分变形的主要断层的变形（应变积累）（即，板块和块体边界），（2）约束更好的变形在S.E.爱琴海（希腊和土耳其），这是密切相关的活动俯冲和相关的地震和海啸灾害沿着希腊海沟，（3）量化周围的变形不稳定，大陆三重连接，包括Karliova和Karaman-Maras三重连接在土耳其东部，4）确定应变积累的空间特征，作为时间的函数，在地震周期沿着北安纳托利亚断层，5）监测和模拟与1999年伊兹米特/杜兹切地震序列相关的震后变形，6）与合作伙伴合作开发和应用大陆岩石圈活动变形的现实动态模型。该项目涉及量化断层行为（应变积累率和断层锁定深度），并因此为地震预测（地震重复时间，位置和震级的估计）和减灾提供了物理基础。 我们与土耳其、希腊、亚美尼亚、阿塞拜疆、格鲁吉亚、俄罗斯和乌克兰的学术和政府科研机构密切合作，并向其提供技术转让（GPS、变形建模），其中包括许多参与研究各个方面的国际学生。 我们正在该区域开发的大地测量基础设施正用于限制全球定位系统卫星轨道，从而促进其他全球定位系统研究（地球动力学、大气水蒸气、激光雷达、电离层研究），这项工作由地球物理学和构造学方案以及国际科学和工程办公室共同资助。

We are using continuous and survey-mode Global Positioning System (GPS) and other relevant geological and geophysical information to clarify the special and temporal character of active deformation, and the forces driving this deformation, in the E. Mediterranean/Caucasus/Middle East region where the African, Arabian, and Eurasian plates interact. We place special emphasis on understanding the relationship between active deformation and geologic structures, and interactions between mantle dynamics and crustal tectonics. Our previous studies now provide an accurate (≤1mm/yr) description of regional deformation that is helping to define the basic principles that control continental deformation in this zone of plate interaction. These regional deformation patterns provide the framework for the more detailed studies we are now pursuing, including, (1) characterizing deformation (strain accumulation) along the main faults that control the large majority of deformation in this region (i.e., plate and block boundaries), (2) constraining better deformation in the S.E. Aegean (Greece and Turkey) that is closely related to active subduction and associated earthquake and tsunami hazards along the Hellenic trench, (3) quantifying deformation around unstable, continental triple junctions, including the Karliova and Karaman-Maras triple junctions in E Turkey, 4) determining the spatial character of strain accumulation as a function of the time in the earthquake cycle along the North Anatolian Fault, 5) monitoring and modeling postseismic deformation associated with the 1999, Izmit/Duzce earthquake sequence, and 6) working with collaborating partners to develop and apply realistic, dynamic models for active deformation of the continental lithosphere. This project involves quantifying fault behavior (rates of strain accumulation and fault locking depths), and as such provides a physical basis for earthquake forecasting (estimates of earthquake repeat times, locations, and magnitudes) and hazard mitigation. We work closely with, and provide technology transfer (GPS, deformation modeling) to, academic and government scientific research institutions in Turkey, Greece, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Russia, and Ukraine, including many international students who participate in all aspects of the research. The geodetic infrastructure we are developing in this region is being used to constrain GPS satellite orbits, thereby contributing to other GPS research studies (geodynamics, atmospheric water vapor, LIDAR, ionospheric studies).This work is co-funded by the Geophysics and Tectonics Programs and the Office of International Science and Engineering.