What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to analyze the active tectonics and strains in the Caucasus region using GNSS data.

May 16, 2026Open Access

Active tectonics, crustal strain fields and block behavior around the caucasus transition zone: constraints from combined GNSS velocities

Puntos clave

This research aims to analyze the active tectonics and strains in the Caucasus region using GNSS data.
Processed 10 years of GNSS data from 24 permanent stations for velocity analysis.
Combined new and published GNSS solutions for a unified velocity field of 131 sites.
Estimated strain rates and block rotations using elastic block modeling.
Horizontal motion of ~12 mm/yr N-NE relative to Eurasia with eastward rotation near the Caspian margin.
Vertical uplift rates of ~4-5 mm/yr identified along the Greater Caucasus.
Results show significant partitioning of deformation with thrust shortening in the Greater Caucasus and strike-slip motion on major faults.

Resumen

Abstract The Caucasus region represents the northern edge of the Arabia–Eurasia continental collision and accommodates complex deformation involving crustal shortening, lateral block motion, and strike-slip faulting across multiple tectonic domains, including the Greater and Lesser Caucasus, the Kura Basin, and northwestern Iran block. Despite its tectonic significance, the spatial partitioning of present-day deformation and the role of vertical motions were not completely resolved. In this study, we present a comprehensive geodetic analysis of active deformation across Azerbaijan and the surrounding Caucasus region based on long-term continuous GNSS observations. Ten years (2014–2023) of data from 24 permanent GNSS stations were processed to derive a consistent Eurasia-fixed velocity field. To enhance spatial resolution, these new velocities were integrated with previously published regional GNSS solutions using a common reference frame and transformation strategy, resulting in a unified and unprecedented velocity field of 131 GNSS sites. Strain rates were estimated from the combined velocity field, and fault slip rates and block rotations were quantified through elastic block modeling. The horizontal velocity field indicates N-NE motion of ~ 12 mm/yr relative to Eurasia, with pronounced eastward rotation and velocity increase toward the Caspian margin. Vertical deformation at regional scale with high accuracy, revealing coherent uplift of ~ 4–5 mm/yr along the Greater Caucasus. Apart from the highest spatial resolution of deformation with 131 GNSS sites in the region, the sufficiently accurate vertical deformation rates are presented for the first time in the region through 24 permanent GNSS stations. Strain-rate and block modeling results demonstrate strong deformation partitioning, with thrust-dominated shortening concentrated along the Greater Caucasus and right-lateral strike-slip motion accommodating eastward escape along major fault systems. These results provide refined constraints on the kinematics of the Arabia–Eurasia collision in the Caucasus and offer important implications for regional tectonic evolution and seismic hazard assessment. Graphic abstract

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