Velocities of contemporary movements of the Northern Caucasus estimated from GPS observations

The velocity field of the Northern Caucasus based on the results of observations at the Northern Caucasus Geodetic Network (NCGN) stations is represented in the paper. Appreciable horizontal displacement to the northeast with velocity of 26–28 mm/yr relative to the International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF2008) is established. General shortening of the region at a rate of 1–2 mm/yr relative to fixed Eurasia is a source of the contemporary geological and seismic activity in the boundary zone between the Caucasus and the East European Platform.