Geodetic measurements of crustal deformation on NW-SE faults of the Betic Cordillera, southern Spain, 1999-2001

Abstract

The Granada basin, located in the central sector of the Betic Cordillera, is one of the most seismically active zones of the Iberian Peninsula. For the first time, a geodetic network along the Padul fault and two levelling profiles (Genil and Viznar) crossing the Granada fault were operated to detect crust micro-deformations in this area. Three years of terrestrial geodetic measurements are analysed to characterize the behaviour of these faults in a low to moderate strain rate environment. After the comparison of these three campaigns, we can conclude that there is no significant short-term movement of the Padul fault. Granada fault measurements show significant differences between 1999 and 2001 campaigns in Viznar profile. However, more data are needed to correlate this displacement to the tectonic activity.