Geodynamics of the Eastern Segment of the Greater Caucasus Based on GNSS Observations

Abstract

The paper presents the results of a comprehensive study of the geodynamic features of the Eastern Segment of the Greater Caucasus, based on original long-term quasi-continuous satellite-geodetic observations at 28 regional Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) stations. The GNSS measurements were processed using the GAMIT/GLOBK software package, designed for high-precision geodetic determinations from radio-navigation satellite signals. As a result of the processing, time series of coordinate increments and displacement velocities of the GNSS stations were obtained in two reference frames, the global ITRF2020 and a regional frame, relative to stable Eurasia. To study the relative displacements of regional tectonic structures, the method of velocity profiling was applied. A 500 km-long profile was selected, extending from south to north with an azimuth of 6.58\({}^{\circ}\). The profiling results revealed relative motions of the main regional tectonic structures. Interpretation of the obtained results in the context of regional seismotectonics provides a detailed picture of the present-day geodynamic situation of the Eastern Segment of the Greater Caucasus.