A joint analysis of GPS motions and InSAR to infer the coseismic surface deformation of the Izmit, Turkey earthquake

Abstract

From a joint analysis of GPS and InSAR data we have determined the kinematic coseismic surface deformation of the 1999 August 17, Izmit (Turkey) earthquake in terms of strain, rotation and fault slip. The fault slip contribution shows two distinct peaks: one of ∼4 in of slip at Gölcük, and a second of ∼2.9 in slip near Sapanca Lake. The strain field portrays four distinct quadrants reflecting the earthquake focal mechanism. The transition between the quadrants is not centred on the epicentre of the event, but shifted eastwards north of the fault and westwards south of the fault. This shift is the result of a two-stage source rupture process caused by the step-over features in the fault geometry. This rupture process also induced a distinct asymmetry in the displacement field across the fault. We obtain left-lateral shear strains along the Sakarya segment that is the result of a subsequent source nucleating at the Akyazi Gap inducing failure on the easternmost segments. Strong interaction is also observed from a consecutive source near Hersek. Finally, we deduce that the Izmit earthquake has released most of the strain that has accumulated since the last main event on this stretch of the North Anatolian fault in 1719. © 2004 RAS.