Recent deformations of the Earth's crust in Ukraine based on GNSS network data from GEOTERRACE AND SYSTEM.NET

Abstract

The paper analyzes the recent trends of horizontal and vertical displacements of Ukraine's territory based on the GeoTerrace and System.Net GNSS network data. This includes the construction of relevant movement maps and the selection of deformation zones of the upper crust. The object of research is horizontal and vertical deformations of the upper crust. The goal is to identify and analyze deformation zones in Ukraine's territory. The source data includes the horizontal and vertical displacement rates of GNSS stations from the GeoTerrace network for 2018 to 2023 and the System.Net network for 2021 to 2023. This data is complemented by known tectonic map of the territory, sourced from the National Atlas of Ukraine, along with descriptive materials. The methodology includes comparison and analysis of recent deformations of the Earth's crust in the region with its known tectonic structure. New maps of recent horizontal displacement velocities of Ukraine's upper crust have been created, along with vertical displacement velocities of GNSS stations. These studies indicate that the recent horizontal movements within Ukraine are complex and closely linked to the known tectonic structure. Additionally, these movements were compared with regional model values derived from the ITRF-2020 model. Most GNSS stations have vertical subsidence trend, likely due to denudation processes. This study outlines the recent movements of the Earth's crust, however, a detailed interpretation should incorporate additional data from specialists in the Earth sciences. When observed over extended time intervals, the measured velocities of GNSS stations will help identify the spatial distribution characteristics of Earth's crust movement across Ukraine. This, in turn, will facilitate the development of regional geodynamic models for specific tectonic structures or regions, including Ukraine as a whole. Such models hold practical significance for advancing accurate navigation through precise positioning using networks of active GNSS stations.