Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Acta Geophysica, cilt.73, sa.6, ss.5329-5353, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
This study examines seismicity and deformation in New Zealand's North Island using data from 2014 to 2024. The North Island, shaped by the Hikurangi Subduction Zone (HSZ), the Taupo Volcanic Zone (TVZ), and the North Island Dextral Fault Belt (NIDFB), exhibits complex tectonic activity. Therefore, in this study, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data were processed to analyze the horizontal and vertical movements of the North Island relative to the Pacific and Australian plates. Additionally, earthquakes were examined based on their magnitudes, epicenters, and hypocenters. The analysis of M ≥ 4 earthquake distribution highlights a seismic quiescence in the northwestern part of the island, particularly around Auckland and the Northland Volcanic Field. According to hypocenter depths, earthquakes at 20–60 km and 60–300 km form two NE-SW trending seismic zones, suggesting distinct structural domains with a potential transition zone in the west. GNSS velocities relative to the Pacific-fixed frame are found to be consistent with the subduction rate of the HSZ, while velocities relative to the Australian-fixed frame reveal higher horizontal velocities in the north, which align with a greater subduction rate and rollback effect. In contrast, the western part of the island rotates significantly slower than the eastern part. Consequently, this study presents and evaluates deformation trends, potential transition and quiescent zones, and the recent movement of the North Island in conjunction with previous studies.