Updating the GNSS velocity field in the Eastern Betics

The Eastern Betics, located on the SE of Spain, is one of the areas with the highest seismic activity within the Iberian Peninsula. The Eastern Betic Shear Zone (EBSZ) is comprised by a set of active, slow-moving faults, which are partially absorbing the ~5 mm deformation caused by the convergence between the Eurasian and Nubian plates. The precise kinematics of these faults remains unclear to this date, due to their slow slip rates and the distributed strain across the region. 

Over the past years, several studies have focused on this area, especially after the devastating 2011 Lorca earthquake (Mw 5.1). However, there is a lack of precise GNSS observations in the central area of the EBSZ. Therefore, we present here an updated GNSS velocity field of the central EBSZ, which includes all the available continuous stations in the area, as well as continuous and campaign observations carried out under the GeoActiva project (CGL2017-83931-C3-3-P). 

Additionally, we discuss alternative deformation sources affecting the GNSS observations (other than those of tectonic origin), such as the human-induced subsidence in the Guadalentín River Basin. We use Sentinel-1 SAR images to identify the affected areas and to quantify the impact on the GNSS velocities.

This work has been developed in the framework of GeoActiva project (CGL2017-83931-C3-3-P, funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and by “ERDF A way of making Europe”) and e-Shape project (H2020 programme, Grant Agreement 820852), as well us under Grant FPU19/03929 (funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and by “FSE invests in your future”).