Differentiation of recent local geodynamic and seismic processes of technogenic-loaded territories based on the example of Dnister Hydro Power Complex (Ukraine)

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to analyse and interpret recent local geodynamic and seismic processes on the territory of Dnister Hydro Power Complex that appeared as a result of the additional technogenic loading due to the filling of the Dnister upper reservoir on October 26, 2012. The research was conducted based on the data from the Novodnistrovsk seismic station NDNU since 2005, the results of the 18 cycles of periodic static GNSS campaigns conducted during 2004–2018, and also the analysis of archival and literary materials. It has been established that the dominant feature of the latest stage in the development of the geological structure of the Dnister Hydropower Complex is unbreakable tectonic activity. From 2012 to 2018 a significant increase in local seismic activity on the Dnister Hydropower Complex was recorded. Obviously, the growth of local seismic activity immediately after the Dnister upper reservoir was filled with water on October 26, 2012, is associated with the phenomenon of reservoir induced seismicity. The study determined the distribution velocity of dilatation of the territory of the Dnister PSPP (Pumped-Storage Power Plant) before and after filling the Dnister upper reservoir and their schemes were constructed. The analysis of the distribution of velocity dilatation testifies an increased geodynamic activity in the places where extreme values of compression and expansion are revealed.

Keywords

• Technogenic-loaded territories
• Recent local geodynamic processes
• Local seismic processes
• Dnister hydro power complex
• Reservoir induced seismicity
• GNSS observation