Strain estimation using ordinary Kriging interpolation

The ordinary kriging interpolation method is adopted to estimate the 2-D strain tensor elements. The results are then compared with those of the linear and spline interpolation methods. The ordinary kriging method is implemented on 12 GPS permanent stations in South California, collected during 2006 to 2012. By employing these time series, the coordinate changes in the UTM coordinate system can be obtained and the strain tensor elements at these 12 stations can be estimated by means of finite difference method. Interpolation of the strain tensor elements over the study area through these three methods (kriging, spline and linear) indicates that the ordinary kriging results, on average are 70% better than those of the spline and linear interpolation methods.