GPS observation of crustal deformation in the Taiwan‐Luzon Region

Abstract

Fifteen GPS stations in the Batan‐Luzon area were surveyed three times during 1996 to 1998. In order to study crustal deformation in the Taiwan‐Luzon region, the data from these annual surveys are processed together with data from 20 permanent stations in the Taiwan area and IGS stations in the Asia‐Pacific region. We found that the Chinese continental margin is moving in directions of 102°–112° with rates of 11–12 mm/yr relative to stable Eurasia. There is a significant southward increase in crustal motion with respect to Eurasia along the N‐S trend of the Luzon arc. In the Coastal Range of Taiwan, the velocity is 53 mm/yr in the direction 313°. Further south at two volcanic islands, Lanhsu and Batan, the velocities increase to 68 mm/yr in the direction 306° and 81 mm/yr in the direction 299°, respectively. In northern Luzon the velocity reaches 86 mm/yr in the direction 301°. Remarkable fault slips of 17–31 mm/yr across the Philippine fault system are detected.