CURRENT CRUSTAL DEFORMATION WITHIN THE AZERBAIJAN TERRITORY

Abstract

Based on the results of the GPS measurements the crustal deformation of the Azerbaijan territory was studied by the method of Shen et. al. (1996). Velocity vectors obtained from Azerbaijan, Iranian, Georgian and Armenian GPS networks for the 1998-2012 years are used in order to estimate the dilatation rates. It is found that contraction was observed in the Greater Caucasus, Gobustan, the Kura depression, Nakhchivan AR. Maximum strain rates (about 200 × 10-9/year) were observed in the area
between KHID (Khidirly) and SHIK (Shikhlar) points, and the contraction axes sharply changes its direction here and is oriented in SW-NE direction (in the South of Gobustan and Northern part of the Lesser Kura structural zone). There is the appearance of zones where the deformation is practically absent (the dilatation rate less than 5 × 10-9/year), alongside with the areas of contraction at the strain field. These zones are the Pre-Caspian Guba region (ANIX, SAMU) and the northern part of Gobustan (or eastern part of Zagatala-Govdag structural zone). In these zones extensions are almost compensated by contractions. There is a correlation between epicenters of strong earthquakes and gradient zones of the deformation field.