Crustal Deformation of Luzon and its Implications on the Stability of the Philippine Survey Network

  • Gerald A. Galgana University of the Philippines Framingham State University Massachusetts
  • Teresito C. Bacolcol Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology
  • Elliot C. Klein AIR Worldwide (now at FM Global)
  • Charisma Victoria Dela Cruz-Cayapan National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA)
  • Rosalie B. Reyes University of the Philippines
  • Wilfredo M. Rada University of the Philippines

Abstract

Tectonic deformation displaces the physical positions of regional or national coordinate reference system and/or survey network reference markers quite significantly when situated within fast-deforming, seismically active Plate Boundary Zone (PBZ) regions. Due to unusually high station velocities that reflect high strains near and within active PBZs, the coordinate positions of such survey reference markers need to be re-evaluated within short time spans to remain useful. Such rapid changes must be measured to assess the nature of deformation, and then construct models to accurately quantify changes and then apply proper component corrections (i.e., in-between surveys) in order to maintain the spatial integrity of geodetic networks as a function of time. To determine the effects of regional tectonic deformation on existing survey networks, we evaluate the GPS velocity field gathered from GPS stations situated in Luzon, a region sandwiched between two active, opposing subduction zones: the Manila Trench and the Philippine Trench. This region is traversed by numerous active faults such as the Philippine Fault System, and the (Marikina) Valley Fault System. Using GPS observations, we model the Luzon region as made up of independently rotating but interacting tectonic microplates or blocks, separated by active faults. We then quantify the individual contributions of tectonic block rotation and transient elastic locking strain to estimate the overall deformation field that affects the Philippine Survey Network from its establishment in 1992-1993 to the present. Our preferred block model results show that most stations have been affected by >1 m displacement, with a handful having ~2 m of accumulated displacement in the Sundaland reference frame from their observed initial positions in 1993. Differential inter-block motions of stations dictate that stations need to be reobserved at shorter time spans. Continuum models of residual strain rates further reveal regions of complex internal deformation that may further exacerbate the geometric instability of existing geodetic networks.
Published
2020-09-17
Issue
Vol 32 No 1 (2020)
Section
Articles

Keywords

Geodesy, Crustal Deformation, Luzon, active tectonics, geodynamics, surveying
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