A SYNOPTIC VIEW OF AEGEAN TECTONICS USING MODIS IMAGES AND OTHER DIGITAL DATA

A mosaic of two digital images derived from NASA Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite data of Greece and the Aegean Sea was created to serve as a base for considering regional geology and tectonics. This is the first time that MODIS data has been used for geological purposes. The image was combined with Aegean bathymetry, fault mapping, and seismicity data into an Object-Oriented Geographical Information System (GIS). Additionally, the digitally derived World Stress Map (WSM) stress vectors have been integrated as a thematic layer into the GIS. The result produced a new and integrated view of the tectonic character, as well as the terrestrial and sub-sea geomorphology, of Greece, the Aegean Sea and western Turkey.

The mosaic of the two MODIS images was joined seamlessly due to the fact that they were acquired within four days of one another (no seasonally-related or weather-related changes). Terrestrial structural features can be clearly seen to extend into adjacent seas. The addition of the epicenters of earthquakes having a magnitude of 4.0 or higher indicates their close association with terrestrial and submarine features and faults.

The tectonic activity of the Aegean offers a unique vantage for understanding crustal dynamics of the Anatolian, Eurasian, and African plates. The juxtaposition of this sialic crustal slab of the Aegean between these plates plays an important role in crustal motion for the Eastern Mediterranean. By quantifying tectonic activity in terms of seismic activity, satellite imagery, bathymetry, and structural elements a more comprehensive evaluation of the regional tectonics may be ascertained.