Present-day Kinematics and Dynamics of the Eastern Mediterranean

我们正在使用连续和测量模式的全球定位系统(GPS)和其他相关的地质和地球物理信息来澄清在非洲、阿拉伯和欧亚板块相互作用的地中海东部/高加索/中东地区活动变形的特殊和时间特征，以及驱动这种变形的力量。我们特别强调了解活动变形与地质构造的关系，以及地幔动力学与地壳构造之间的相互作用。我们以前的研究现在提供了对区域变形的准确(1毫米/年)描述，这有助于确定在这个板块相互作用区控制大陆变形的基本原理。这些区域形变模式为我们目前正在进行的更详细的研究提供了框架，包括：(1)描述控制该地区绝大多数变形的主要断层(即板块和块体边界)的变形(应变累积)，(2)限制爱琴海南部(希腊和土耳其)与希腊海沟的活动俯冲和相关的地震和海啸灾害密切相关的更好的变形，(3)量化不稳定的大陆三重结点周围的形变，包括土耳其东部的Karliova和Karaman-Maras三重结点，4)确定北安纳托利亚断裂地震周期中应变累积随时间变化的空间特征，5)监测和模拟与1999年伊兹米特/杜兹斯地震序列有关的震后变形，6)与合作伙伴合作，开发和应用大陆岩石圈活动变形的实际动态模型。该项目涉及量化断层行为(应变累积率和断层锁定深度)，因此为地震预测(地震重复次数、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、形变建模)，包括参与研究各个方面的许多国际学生。我们在该地区正在开发的大地测量基础设施正被用于约束GPS卫星轨道，从而为其他GPS研究(地球动力学、大气水蒸气、激光雷达、电离层研究)做出贡献。这项工作由地球物理和构造计划和国际科学与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.