Estimation of the crustal velocity field in the Balanegra fault from GPS position time series in 2006 - 2018

In 2006 a non-continuos GPS network was installed to monitor the Balanegra fault, one of the most active faults recognized in the Campo de Dalias area. This is a zone with relevant seismicity associated with the active tectonic deformations of the southern boundary of the Betic Cordillera. The goal of our research is to constrain the activity of this fault from high quality GPS measurements to obtain precise deformation rates. Here we show the first results computed from five GPS campaigns in the timespan 2006-2018. These results agree with the general movement of the area. Moreover, we have identified a residual velocity field with values ranging from 1.7 to 3.0 mm/yr. There is a clear geodetic evidence of recent and active deformation by folding and faulting in the eastern Betic Cordillera, which currently undergoes the NNWSSE convergence of the Eurasian and African plates, while also affected by orthogonal extension. The integration of further geologic and seismic information with the GPS site rates will allow a better understanding of the kinematics of this interesting geologic structure.