Seafloor crustal deformation data along the subduction zones around Japan obtained by GNSS-A observations

TL;DR

This paper discusses the development and application of GNSS-A technology to collect seafloor crustal deformation data along Japan's subduction zones, aiding in understanding earthquake and tsunami mechanisms.

Contribution

It introduces the GNSS-A technique for seafloor geodesy and provides valuable deformation data for key subduction zones around Japan.

Findings

Seafloor deformation data reveal patterns of plate movement.

Data supports understanding of megathrust earthquake behavior.

GNSS-A technique enables long-term monitoring of seafloor crustal changes.

Abstract

Crustal deformation data obtained by geodetic observation networks are foundations in the fields of geodesy and seismology. These data are essential for understanding plate motion and earthquake sources and for simulating earthquake and tsunami disasters. Although relatively scarce, seafloor geodetic data are particularly important for monitoring the behaviour of undersea interplate boundary regions. Since the mid-1990s, we have been developing the combined Global Navigation Satellite System-Acoustic ranging (GNSS-A) technique for realizing seafloor geodesy. This technique allows us to collect time series of seafloor crustal deformation. Our published data can be used to investigate several seismological phenomena along the subduction zones around Japan, namely the Nankai Trough, Sagami Trough and Japan Trench. These regions are globally important places in geodesy and seismology and are also suitable for comparison with other geophysical datasets. Our intention is for these data to promote further understanding of megathrust zones.