  In this study we test whether principal components of the strain rate and
stress tensors align within Switzerland. We find that 1) Helvetic Nappes line
(HNL) is the relevant tectonic boundary to define different domains of crustal
stress/surface strain rates orientations and 2) orientations of T- axes (of
moment tensor solutions) and long-term asthenosphere cumulative finite strain
(from SKS shear wave splitting) are consistent at the scale of the Alpine arc
in Switzerland. At a more local scale, we find that seismic activity and
surface deformation are in agreement but in three regions (Basel, Swiss Jura
and Ticino); possibly because of the low levels of deformation and/or
seismicity. In the Basel area, deep seismicity exists while surface deformation
is absent. In the Ticino and the Swiss Jura, where seismic activity is close to
absent, surface deformation is detected at a level of ~2 10E-8/yr (~6.3
10E-16/s).
