REGAL: a permanent GPS network in the Western Alps. Configuration and first results.

The REGAL permanent GPS network currently consists of 12 GPS stations cover ing the Western Alps and their foreland. Preliminary results indicate (i) r esidual velocities with respect to Eurasia lower than 3 mm(.)yr(-1), (ii) e xtensional kinematic boundary conditions along the Lyons-Turin transect and extensional strain regime in the central part of the Western Alps, and (ii i) north-south to NW-SE compression in the southern Alps and Provence. Thes e results are still preliminary and marginally significant, given the assoc iated uncertainties. They are however consistent with the most recent seism otectonic results published in these areas. (C) 2000 Academie des sciences/ Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.