Determination of horizontal deformation of the Earth`s crust on the territory of Ukraine based on GNSS measurements

Abstract

The purpose of research is to identify horizontal deformation of the Ukraine territory, using only proven and suitable for geodynamic interpretation GNSS stations. The initial data are observations from 30 GNSS stations for 2017 to 2020. Methodology. The methodology includes the analysis of modern Earth's crust deformations of Ukraine. As a result, for the first time the impact of the coordinates time series created by two different methods: Precise Point Positioning (PPP) and the classical differential method, on determining deformation processes was analysed. It was established that nowadays for the tasks of monitoring, including geodynamic, it is necessary to use the Precise Point Positioning (PPP) method, because the accuracy of determined velocities of the GNSS stations by this method was higher than in the classical differential method. Results. A map of horizontal Earth's crust deformations on the territory of Ukraine was created according to the coordinates time series of GNSS stations. The extension areas of Shepetivka-Starokostiantyniv Khmelnytsky region, Boryspil- Pryluky-Pereyaslav-Khmelnitsky Kyiv and Chernihiv region, as well as a compression area of the Earth's crust in Nizhyn - Stepovi Khutory - Kozelets of Chernihiv region was identified. Additionally, a map of horizontal displacements of the GNSS-stations was created, where the diverse of these displacements was observed, which is likely to be caused by the presence of modern subvertical and sub-horizontal faults and fault areas. For better interpretation of the obtained results, it is necessary to involve geological and geophysical data of tectonic activity of the Ukraine territory.