Abstract
Space geodetic techniques such as Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI), Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) and microwave range and range-rate tracking techniques (GPS) are nowadays capable of observing the distance between points on the earth’s surface with centimeter accuracy, even if these points are hundreds or thousands of kilometers apart. From repeated measurements over several years significant changes of intercontinental baselines were found. In this paper we present an overview of international projects for monitoring horizontal crustal movements and examine first results of distance changes as obtained from the analysis of SLR and VLBI data. They show in general a good agreement with the rates of motion according to geophysical plate models. There are, however, also some intraplate baselines with significant distance changes that give clear indications of continental deformations. In addition, results for some lines across plate boundaries show characteristic deviations from the rigid plate model. Finally, some possibilities for interpolating the observed point motions are discussed. This stresses especially the importance of a careful selection of the observation sites in connection with the expected motion.
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Geiss, E., Reigber, C., Schwintzer, P. (1989). Geodetic Measurements of Continental Deformations: Projects and First Results. In: Kissel, C., Laj, C. (eds) Paleomagnetic Rotations and Continental Deformation. NATO ASI Series, vol 254. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-0869-7_5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-0869-7_5
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