Regularities in the Spatiotemporal Variations of Deformation Processes in the Region of Japan Subduction Zone

Abstract

The approach is proposed for modeling deformations in the subduction zones from the surface displacement data recorded by the methods of satellite geodesy. The technique is developed for revealing spatial and temporal variations in the deformations in the subduction zones. Based on the suggested approach, the variations in the deformation processes are studied in the interplate contact zone in the region of the Japanese islands at different stages of the seismic cycle. The possibility of identifying the preparation process of the strongest interplate earthquakes based on the satellite geodetic data is explored and the probable indications of this process are suggested.