Recent vertical crustal movements and resulting surface deformation within the North German Basin (Schleswig-Holstein) derived by GIS-based analysis of repeated precise leveling data

In order to analyse recent and subrecent geodynamic processes and resulting surface deformation within the North German Basin precise leveling data for the project area Schleswig-Holstein have been analysed. For this purpose absolute movement rates, achieved by repeated leveling, have been transformed into annual-movement rates. In order to get an area-wide surface deformation map values coming from the height points have been interpolated to a comprehensive map of vertical movements. The complete workflow has been carried out by the use of ArcGIS. Results reveal surface deformation in a range of -68 mm/year to +8.6 mm/year. Thus the generally agreed subsidence of 0.4 mm/year in the project area is partly superimposed. Even if extreme height changes might be triggered by other than geodynamic factors (e.g. compaction, dewatering) the general movement pattern indicates ongoing gcodynamic processes. Major movements are linked to the Central European Subsidence Zone. Comparison of movement pattern with geological features partly shows good accordance, especially in young morainic landscape. Uplift areas there mainly correlate with the location of salt structures in the subsurface, whereas subsidence mainly occurs in rim synclines or along faults. Good accordance in young morainic landscape most likely is caused by ongoing isostatic adjustment since the Weichselian maximum in that area.