Localized crustal deformation in the Godavari failed rift, India

Six years of GPS measurements of crustal deformation in the Godavari failed rift (GFR) of stable India plate suggest very localized deformation. Elsewhere, all along the GFR the deformation is very low (<1.5 mm/yr). Localized deformation (up to 3.3±0.5 mm/yr) at least at two sites, implying compression on steep faults located on the southern margin of the GFR, is coincident with the region characterized by high level low-magnitude seismicity of past six years and implies strain accumulation for future moderate to strong magnitude earthquake in the region. The localized deformation is consistent with the view about deformation in such regions where seismicity migrates and deformation rate changes with time.

► Overall insignificant deformation in the Godavari failed rift region. ► Localized high deformation in a small region within the failed rift. ► Migration in the seismicity and temporal variation in the deformation rate. ► Localized high deformation region is a probable site for future earthquake.