A dense GPS observation immediately after the 2004 mid-Niigata prefecture earthquake

To investigate the postseismic crustal deformation associated with the 2004 mid-Niigata prefecture earthquake (M6.8), we newly started GPS observation to fill a gap of the nationwide continuous GPS network. Our GPS sites were mainly distributed in the focal region without permanent GPS site, and succeeded in obtaining the postseismic deformation. Coseismic displacements of two aftershocks were clearly detected because of immediate observation. Estimated fault parameters of the aftershock (M5.9) on November 8 occurring just beneath our GPS network indicated that geodetic data could be explained by either east- or west-dipping fault model inferred from detailed aftershock data. Moreover, clear postseismic deformation, which could be characterized by a logarithmic decay function, was observed. This signal probably suggests possible aseismic slip. Our results indicated that dense GPS observation could give important and interesting data to clarify the properties of shallow inland middle-size earthquakes.