First results from GPS measurements on present day alpine kinematics

Present day displacements of a few mm/year result from a preliminary analys is of data from permanent GPS stations positioned along the flanks of the A lps. The largest rates occur across the Alps: the Zimmerwald - Torino line, in the Western sector, increases its length at a rate of 5.2 mm/year. The line is very nearly accommodated by the Grasse - Torino line, which decreas es at a very similar rate. No statistically significant displacement is evi dent in the Eastern sector. Our data thus support the hypothesis that the p resent day motion of Adria against Europe favours the escape to the West an d Southwest of the North-western sectors of Italy. As the analysis of GPS d ata progresses, it should be possible to constrain by GPS measurements the present location of the Adria rotation pole and better test the 'rigid bloc k' assumption. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.