From Localized to Distributed Faulting – Present-day Kinematics of the Southern and Eastern Alps

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Mountainbuilding in the European Alps is near to its end. The western Alps are practically dead, but in the southern and eastern Alps, near the Italo-Austrian boarder, the Adriatic plate is still underthrusting the orogenic edifice. The region exhibits N-S shortening rates of 2-4 mm/yr and frequent seismicity. Every 100 years in average the region is struck by devastating magnitude M6-7 earthquakes. In the southern Alps the geomorphologic expression of the active Southern Alpine Front is clearly visible, but towards the east and the Slovenian boarder, faulting becomes much more diffuse and unclear.This project aims to better understand and assess the regional tectonics. We combine two space-based geodetic methodologies, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and radar satellite interferometry (InSAR). We will obtain rate maps of the Earth's surface in high spatial resolution and sensitivity. These will be used as input for a kinematic model, from which we can constrain the geometry, slip rates and locking depths of active faults. The model will also benefit from the findings of other seismologic and geologic partner projects running in-parallel within the SPP. Finally we will obtain a better understanding of the recent activity of the upper crust, which in turn improves the overall insight into the subduction of the Adriatic plate.