Revisiting GPS-Derived Plate Kinematics: Evaluation of the Integration of Plate Motion Models in Terrestrial Reference Frames

Jan Mestan 

Tectonic plate motion is a cornerstone of the physical theory of plate tectonics, yet our understanding of lithospheric kinematics increasingly depends on the framework in which measurements are interpreted. With the advent of satellite-based geodesy, particularly the Global Positioning System (GPS), direct measurement of Earth’s surface dynamics has become possible with millimeter-level precision. However, integration of plate rotation models such as NNR-NUVEL-1A into terrestrial reference frames, particularly the International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF), introduces a model-dependent bias that compromises the observational fidelity of crustal motion data. This paper critically examines the assumptions embedded in these physical frameworks, demonstrating how model-based corrections can obscure or distort the true Earth-fixed crustal motion. It is argued that tectonic behavior, as revealed through raw GPS measurements, is more complex and variable than the rigid-plate paradigm implies. A reevaluation of reference frame construction is proposed to better align geophysical observation with physical principles.