Plate boundary deformation at the Azores triple junction determined from continuous GPS geodetic measurements, 2002-2017

Ground deformation in the Azores, at the triple junction between the Eurasian, Nubian, and North American plates, has been mapped with continuous GPS (Global Positioning System) geodetic measurements to improve tectonic motion estimates and for understanding volcanic unrest. We compute daily GPS positions, spanning almost 17 years (2000-2017), from 18 continuous GPS stations. The GPS time-series are analyzed by searching for discontinuities and periodic functions. Results show that Flores and Graciosa islands have displacements close to predicted North American and Eurasian plate motions, respectively, while São Miguel, Terceira, São Jorge, Faial and Pico islands have displacements in between predicted Eurasian and Nubian plate motions. The Eurasian-Nubian plate boundary in the Azores behaves as a diffuse ultra-slow oblique spreading center with focused deformation found in the Central Group and São Miguel Island. The velocity field is modeled by approximating segments of the Eurasian-N..., , ,