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The build-up of continuous GPS measurements in Iceland and observations of active deformation preceding earthquakes

Most significant extension of the observational network is that continuous monitoring of deformation has been initiated in Iceland by the installation of continuous GPS for observation at 8 sites in an area of high seismic and possibly volcanic activity in SW-Iceland.

These 8 stations are linked to observations of two former continuous GPS stations, which create a reference base for the local deformation monitoring. The cost of the equipment has been paid by Icelandic authorities, but the development of the observations and of the observational technology has to a large extent been a part of the PRENLAB-2 project. The continuous GPS measurements which have only been carried out for one to two years, have already recorded significant land deformations, either preceding or coinciding with earthquake occurrence, as further described below. The significant results of these observations are gradually creating a basis for funding more stations for continuous monitoring. The continuous GPS measurements provide new constraints in using the activity in this area as a basis for modelling earthquake processes. This work has basically been carried out in cooperation between Subproject 1 and Subproject 5 and is further described under Subproject 1.


next up previous contents
Next: Seismic and interseismic deformation Up: New observations and new Previous: New observations and new
Hjorleifur Sveinbjornsson
2001-01-08