3D finite element model of major tectonic processes in the Eastern Mediterranean

A three-dimensional finite element model of the Eastern Mediterranean was developed in order to investigate the tectonic processes and model parameters which are mainly responsible for the observed surface deformation. The main faults are modelled as surfaces with Coulomb friction. Boundary conditions are slab pull at the Hellenic arc and the displacement for the African and Arabian plate taken from the rigid plate model NUVEL-1A. The rheology is elasto-visco-plastic. By varying the model properties a set of parameters can be determined which leads to a minimal mean deviation comparing the velocity field of the models with the space geodetic observations at 42 sites from global positioning system (GPS) and satellite laser ranging (SLR). The best result was attained with a low friction coefficient between 0.2 and 0.45 along the subduction zones and the main faults, a slab pull stress of 150 MPa and different cohesive strengths C in areas with compressional (C = 460 MPa) and extensional tectonic regimes (C = 40 MPa). The velocity field of the models shows the overall pattern of a westward escape of Anatolia and the SSW movement of the Aegean region.