Earthquake monitoring in SW Bulgaria by space geodesy and national seismological network

The initial scientific studies performed in the framework of the research project "GPS study on the active geodynamic setting of Southwest Bulgaria" are presented. The paper outlines the establishment of a geodynamic network that covers the main tectonic structures in the region of Southwest Bulgaria and gives an analysis of the seismic data for the period 1990-2002. Three GPS campaigns are performed during the last two years. We expect in the framework of this project to establish the present-day kinematics in the studied region. The obtained results can be used to bring up-to-date assessment of the seismic risk and the seismic zoning of that part of the country.