Articles | Volume 16, issue 1
https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-16-55-2016
https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-16-55-2016
Research article
 | 
18 Jan 2016
Research article |  | 18 Jan 2016

A detailed seismic zonation model for shallow earthquakes in the broader Aegean area

D. A. Vamvakaris, C. B. Papazachos, Ch. A. Papaioannou, E. M. Scordilis, and G. F. Karakaisis

Abstract. In the present work we propose a new seismic zonation model of area type sources for the broader Aegean area, which can be readily used for seismic hazard assessment. The definition of this model is based not only on seismicity information but incorporates all available seismotectonic and neotectonic information for the study area, in an attempt to define zones which show not only a rather homogeneous seismicity release but also exhibit similar active faulting characteristics. For this reason, all available seismological information such as fault plane solutions and the corresponding kinematic axes have been incorporated in the analysis, as well as information about active tectonics, such as seismic and active faults. Moreover, various morphotectonic features (e.g. relief, coastline) were also considered. Finally, a revised seismic catalogue is employed and earthquake epicentres since historical times (550 BC–2008) are employed, in order to define areas of common seismotectonic characteristics, that could constitute a discrete seismic zone. A new revised model of 113 earthquake seismic zones of shallow earthquakes for the broader Aegean area is finally proposed. Using the proposed zonation model, a detailed study is performed for the catalogue completeness for the recent instrumental period.

Using the defined completeness information, seismicity parameters (such as G–R values) for the 113 new seismic zones have been calculated, and their spatial distribution was also examined. The spatial variation of the obtained b values shows an excellent correlation with the geotectonic setting in the area, in good agreement with previous studies. Moreover, a quantitative estimation of seismicity is performed in terms of the mean return period, Tm, of large (M  ≥  6.0) earthquakes, as well as the most frequent maximum magnitude, Mt, for a typical time period (T  =  50 yr), revealing significant spatial variations of seismicity levels within the study area. The new proposed seismic zonation model and its parameters can be readily employed for seismic hazard assessment for the broader Aegean area.

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This is a new seismic zonation model of 113 shallow zones for the broader Aegean area, which can be used for seismic hazard assessment. This model is based on seismicity information and incorporates all available seismotectonic and neotectonic information, to define zones which show homogeneous seismicity and similar active faulting characteristics. Using this model, a detailed study is performed for the catalogue completeness, as well as seismicity parameters (a and b) and their distribution.
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