Unificative methodology for determining recent dynamic parameters of tectonic plates based on GNSS data

Abstract This study presents a unificative methodology for determining the latest dynamic parameters of tectonic plates, including moment of inertia, angular momentum, and kinetic energy, using data from continuous GNSS stations combined with information on crustal thickness and density from the CRUST1.0 model. The methodology treats the tectonic plate as a system of discrete volume cells, each with a defined mass and distance to the axis of rotation, which allows for accurate calculation of dynamic parameters. The approach has been tested on 7 large, 7 medium, and 3 microplates using data from 3169 GNSS stations for the period 2002–2021. The methodology provides an uncertainty of parameter estimation of less than 5.5 %, offering a new tool for detailed assessment of lithospheric dynamics and understanding the distribution of rotational energy in the Earth’s plates.