Here we present a method of differential geometry, an intrinsic approach that allows deformation analysis of the real surface of the Earth on its own rights for a more reliable and suitable estimate of the surface deformation measures. The method takes advantage of the simplicity of the two-dimensional Riemannian manifold spaces versus the three dimensional Euclidean spaces without losing or neglecting information and effect of the third dimension in the results. Here we describe the

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... Earth's surface as a graded two-dimensional Riemann manifold, namely a curved surface, embedded in a three dimensional Euclidean space. Thus, deformation of the surface can be completely specified by the change of the first and second fundamental tensors, namely changing of metric tensor and changing of curvature tensor, of the surface, which changing of curvature tensor is responsible for detection of vertical displacements on the surface. This study describes analytical modelling, derivation, and implementation of the surface deformation measures based on the proposed method, particular attention to the formulation and implementation of the tensors of rotation and tensor of change of curvature in Earth deformation studies. The method is applied to a real data set of dense space geodetic positions and displacement vectors across the Southern California. A comparison of the patterns with the geological and geophysical evidences of the area indicated how well the patterns were able to reveal different geodynamical features of the region.