NW-MEXVEL: a GPS-based crustal deformation model using green’s functions for Northwestern Mexico

Abstract The research examines and describes the interaction between the Pacific and North American Plates in Northwest Mexico using 12 years (2010–2021) of Global Positioning System (GPS) data from 33 continuously operating reference stations, processed by GAMIT/GLOBK. A bidimensional crustal deformation model was developed on a 15’ x 15’ grid, based on Green’s functions and elastic coupling. The proposed model NW-MEXVEL has been evaluated by direct point-to-point validation using the GEODVEL global model as a reference. The displacements obtained in the NW-MEXVEL model, adjusted to the ITRF14, are reliable for movements greater than 1.6 mm yr −1 based on the root mean square error (RMSE) of modeled velocities compared to measured velocities. The RMSE values are similar for each tectonic plate, including the Gulf of California Islands (Angel and Tiburon) and Guadalupe Island on the Pacific Plate. This consistency is attributed to the use of regional data from critical zones, in contrast to the global tectonic model. Finally, velocity fields revealed an average displacement of 44.72 ± 0.29 mm yr −1 in the Northwest direction for the Pacific Plate fixed to the North American Plate and 45.34 ± 0.18 mm yr −1 in the Southeast direction for the North American Plate fixed to the Pacific Plate. These velocity results are in agreement with previous studies.