Monitoring recent crustal movements in the Kenya rift valley by global positioning system (GPS)—a proposal

Abstract

There is evidence that the Kenya Rift is active. 1990 witnessed the execution of the Kenya Rift International Seismic Project to study the deep structure of the Kenya Rift. Yet there is no actual measurement of the rate of its spreading. Estimation based on volumes of volcanic rocks extruded over a given period has led to a wide range of estimates (0.2–2 mm/a). There is a need to establish geometrically the real spreading rate at present. The new technology (Global Positioning System) in its precise mode gives a promise to solve the problem. A preliminary network is proposed to consist of 4 points on each of the Rift walls. The logistics of site location, configuration of the network, observation method, frequency, etc. are discussed. The project requires international cooperation for execution.