Other limitations of geodetic methods

Since the post “The problem in the campaign data for studying geodynamic processes”, I explained some limitations of geodetic methods for studying geodynamic processes, especially in the North American plate. Further to the listed problems in the sequential posts, there are still some more limitations in geodetic models and methods.

The MRNF GPS network

Over the last ten years, the Ministère des Ressources Naturelles et de la Faune (MRNF^*) of Quebec, Canada, has been established a network of 26 permanent GPS stations, mostly across the south and south-east of Quebec province, in order to respond to its needs for positioning within its territory (Figure 1).

Resolution of geodetic methods

While relative velocities across tectonically active regions are typically of the order of 5-50 mm yr-1 (that can be generally resolved with annual GPS campaign data over a three to five year period), relative velocities across intra-plate regions are typically less than 1 mm yr^-1.