Co-seismic deformation during the Mw 7.3 Aqaba earthquake (1995) from ERS SAR interferometry

The M_w 7.3 1995 Aqaba earthquake is the largest instrumental earthquake along the Dead Sea Fault. We complement previous seismological studies by analyzing co-seismic ground displacement from differential interferometry computed from ERS images spanning 3 different areas. They are compared with a synthetic model derived from seismological study. Only far-field deformation related to the main sub-event could be revealed because the near-field area lies within the gulf. The interferometric data imply a 56 km long and 10 km wide fault segment, connecting the Elat Deep to the Aragonese Deep, which strikes N195°E and dips 65° to the west, with 2.1 m left-lateral slip and a 15.5° rake indicating a slight normal component. The geodetic moment compares well with the seismic moment.