FEM modelling of horizontal tectonic stress pattern in the Baltic region

Abstract

GPS measurements of the years 1992 and 2003 were employed to investigate horizontal tectonic stresses of the Earth’s crust in the Baltic region. To avoid the impact of the discrepancy of the systems of coordinates upon the parameters of the deformations, the method of tensor analysis was applied by estimating the parameters by the method of finite elements. Computations were performed by using created algorithms and applying ANSYS code. Tectonic stresses affecting the Baltic Sea Region were modelled. The changes of maximum and minimum principal stresses were calculated. The modelling indicates that the horizontal extension predominates in the west, while compressional regime is suggested in the eastern part of the Baltic region. The knowledge of tectonic stresses of the Earth’s crust is important for interpretation of recent movements of the Earth’s crust and seismic hazard assessment of the Baltic Sea region.