In brief
Satellite measurements and earthquake data point to slow rotation driven by the convergence of the African and Eurasian plates. The findings could help researchers assess seismic hazards.
A study published in Gondwana Research suggests that the Iberian Peninsula, home to Spain and Portugal, is slowly rotating clockwise, UNIAN reported, citing Futura-sciences. The movement is especially apparent in the peninsula’s western and southwestern areas.
According to the report, an international research team combined satellite geodetic measurements with earthquake data to map present-day crustal movement and stress. UNIAN cited University of the Basque Country researcher Asier Madarieta as saying the African and Eurasian plates converge by roughly 4–6 millimetres a year. That figure describes plate convergence, rather than the peninsula’s rate of rotation.
The report says the findings could support further study of active faults and more precise assessments of earthquake hazards. UNIAN described the study as new but did not specify its publication date, the measurement period or an angular rotation rate.
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