Unveiling crustal deformation patterns along the north Tabriz fault from 2015 to 2022 using multi-temporal InSAR analysis

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive study on the recognition of crustal deformation patterns surrounding the North Tabriz Fault in Northwestern Iran, utilizing Multi-Temporal InSAR analysis. The fault, despite its seismic inactivity for over two centuries, has a long history of ancient seismicity, with earthquake recurrence intervals exceeding two centuries. This makes it highly susceptible to future activity and the generation of significant and devastating earthquakes. However, limited research has been conducted on extracting and modeling deformation patterns of the North Tabriz Fault to identify its active segments. The primary objective of this study is to derive a general trend for fault displacement and investigate regions under pressure in terms of abnormal crustal movements. The results indicate that the Earth's crust in the surrounding regions of the central and northwest segments of the fault exhibits an upward movement ranging from approximately 2 to 10 millimeters per year from 2015 to 2022. In contrast, neighboring areas of the northwestern fault, as well as the northwestern, western, and southwestern parts of Tabriz County, experience ground subsidence with rates ranging from approximately 5 to 40 millimeters per year. These findings are consistent with GNSS-derived line-of-sight measurements obtained from some IPGN stations around the fault with an RMSE of 1.72 mm/yr. Furthermore, the study identifies critical points near the fault that exhibit varying and diverse displacement patterns over time, suggesting significant strain and notable stress within the subsurface environment. According to the analysis of time series data on crustal movements at the identified critical points, it has been found that the prevailing motion pattern of the Earth's crust within the fault zone largely conforms to a sinusoidal descending pattern. Additionally, recent earthquakes in the northwest vicinity of the fault have been observed to occur close to these critical points. Using line-of-sight (LOS) data acquired at these critical points, the study estimates a slip rate of 7.71 ± 0.01 mm/year and a locking depth of 11.27 ± 0.01 km, contributing to a better understanding of the fault's seismogenic behavior. These findings provide valuable insights into the crustal deformation patterns around the North Tabriz Fault, highlighting active segments and regions under pressure.