Crustal deformation across the Southern Patagonian Icefield observed by GNSS
Research output: Contribution to journal › Research article › Contributed › peer-review
Contributors
Abstract
Geodetic GNSS observations at 43 sites well distributed over the Southern Patagonian Icefield region yield site velocities with a mean accuracy of 1 mm/a and 6 mm/a for the horizontal and vertical components, respectively. These velocities are analyzed to reveal the magnitudes and patterns of vertical and horizontal present-day crustal deformation as well as their primary driving processes. The observed vertical velocities confirm a rapid uplift, with rates peaking at 41 mm/a, causally related to glacial-isostatic adjustment (GIA). They yield now an unambiguous preference between two competing GIA models. Remaining discrepancies between the preferred model and our observations point toward an effective upper mantle viscosity even lower than 1.6*1018Pa s and effects of lateral rheological heterogeneities. An analysis of the horizontal strain and strain-rate fields reveals some complex superposition, with compression dominating in the west and extension in the east. This deformation field suggests significant contributions from three processes: GIA, a western interseismic tectonic deformation field related to plate subduction, and an extensional strain-rate field related to active Patagonian slab window tectonics.
Details
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 206-215 |
Journal | Earth and Planetary Science Letters |
Volume | 452 |
Publication status | Published - 15 Oct 2016 |
Peer-reviewed | Yes |
External IDs
Scopus | 84982166647 |
---|---|
ORCID | /0000-0001-5797-244X/work/142246503 |
Keywords
DFG Classification of Subject Areas according to Review Boards
Subject groups, research areas, subject areas according to Destatis
ASJC Scopus subject areas
Keywords
- Geodäsie