Crustal velocity and strain rate fields in the Balearic Islands based on GPS time series from the XGAIB network (2010-2013)

Abstract

In this paper, a first estimation of the crustal velocity and strain rate fields in the Balearic Islands is presented. This study is based on continuous GPS observations from the XGAIB network spanning the period 2010-2013. The XGAIB network consists of nine permanent, widely distributed stations that have operated continuously since 2010. We describe the network, the continuous GPS (CGPS) data processing and present our principle results in terms of absolute and residual velocities of all of the sites. In addition, strain tensors were estimated from the velocity field to obtain the first realistic crustal deformation model of the archipelago. The strains exhibit gradual variation across the Balearic Islands, from WNW-ESE extension in the southwest (Pitiusas Islands) to NW-SE compression in the northeast (Menorca Island). These results constitute an advance in the knowledge of the tectonics of the western Mediterranean region.