Space Geodesy Data Implementation for Earth System Geodynamics Monitoring: A Case Study of the Aegean Microplate

Abstract The advances in geodesy that are continually occurring allow the science of investigating the Earth’s shape and size to be applied to the observation of its geodynamics as well. Space geodesy and remote sensing methods enable the desired phenomenon to be observed with high precision and at different scales, where the phenomenon can be global or local in nature. By tracking changes in the position of unique points on the Earth’s surface using space geodesy methods (GNSS – Global Navigation Satellite System, VLBI – Very-long Baseline Interferometry, SLR – Satellite Laser Ranging, DORIS – Doppler Orbitography and Radiopositioning Integrated by Satellite), it is possible to indirectly track the movement of the Earth system and describe changes, anomalies and their evolution over time. The main objective of the article is to define and describe the tectonic plates’ movement based on the selected approach and analysis, compare the results with conventional tectonic boundaries definition and support the anomalous outcomes for discrete locations by ongoing tectonic phenomena over the time period under study. By implementing space geodesy data into deformation analyses, the aim is to demonstrate the geodynamic contribution of space geodesy in studying and monitoring the geodynamics of the Earth system.