Euler pole parameter estimation of sunda plate from present-day GPS site velocities in Malaysia

Abstract

Malaysia is situated at Sunda plate that experience highly dynamic of earth's crust with frequent earthquake and volcano activities. The effect of plate motion causing the static-based geodetic reference frame in Malaysia is no longer relevant to support the centimeter level of Global Positioning System (GPS) application. Therefore, an updated Sundaland plate motion model is necessary to cater to the effect thus preserving the reliability of the geodetic reference frame. This study aimed at determining regional plate motion of Sundaland in support of dynamic reference frame. The work involved in generating precise Position Errors Time Series (PETS) from GPS Continuous Operating Reference System (CORS) data in Malaysia and neighbouring country. The Coordinates Time Series (CTS) were then used to estimate velocity vector and the precision form the results depicted at -8.0429±3.0215mm, 3.873±3.288mm, and 0.913±7.775mm for component northing, easting and up, respectively. From the velocity vector, location of Euler pole of Sunda plate was found at latitude 5.8482 ° N and longitude -95.1017 ° E with estimated angular momentum of 0.201O/Myr± 0.0389. It can be expected that the result will be useful for maintaining the reliability of the reference frame in South East Malaysia.