Determination of recent crustal deformations based on precise GPS measurements in the Vogtland earthquake area

This paper presents methods and results of recent geodetic investigations in the Saxon part of the NW Bohemia/Vogtland earthquake area. The technique of precise GPS measurements and the intercomparison of successive observation epochs are described in detail. Horizontal surface deformations of the earthʹs crust were determined with an accuracy level of 1 mm over a range of some 104 m. The results of five GPS campaigns carried out from 1994 to 2001 reveal significant relative displacements of up to 5 mm between successive observation epochs. Furthermore, there are clear indications that the deformation process is not linear with time but correlated with the seismic activity.