Spatio-temporal monitoring of surface deformation on the North Anatolian fault zone

The North Anatolian Fault Zone (NAFZ) is a major transform boundary between the Anatolian and Eurasian plates, this right-lateral strike slip fault system generated devastating seismic events during the 20th century. In this thesis, we applied Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) time series analysis, utilizing Sentinel-1 data from the period 2014 to 2022, with the objective of analyzing surface deformation and the relationship between crustal properties and fault mechanics in the Düzce section of the NAFZ. Analysis of Sentinel-1 data using the Small Baseline Subset technique reveals deformation patterns on the Düzce Fault, indicating a slip rate of approximately 2.5 - 3 cm/yr. In addition to the long term deformation analysis in the Düzce region, this thesis investigates the impacts of the 2022 Mw6.0 Gölyaka-Düzce earthquake by comparing pre- and post-seismic deformation using ascending and descending InSAR datasets. The thesis integrates geophysical data obtained from magnetotelluric surveys and seismic tomography, offering valuable information about subsurface features such as fluid-saturated and fractured rock zones. This integration emphasizes the crucial areas of roughness and the buildup of significant strain, which are vital for comprehending seismic risks. The results of our study highlight the importance of continuous monitoring and the integration of geophysical techniques to enhance earthquake preparedness and reduce the risks in the Düzce region. This technique improves our understanding of the complex geodynamic processes occurring along the NAFZ.