Detailed seismicity mapping of the Altai-Sayan zone using large averaging areas

• Published in: Russian geology and geophysics Vol. 49; no. 12; pp. 963 - 970
• Main Author: Dergachev, A.A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.12.2008
• Subjects: Altai-Sayan seismic zone; averaging area; correction coefficient; Earthquake; seismic activity; time series of seismic activity; seismic activity; correction coefficient; Altai-Sayan seismic zone; Earthquake; averaging area; time series of seismic activity
• ISSN: 1068-7971; 1878-030X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rgg.2008.01.012

An improved technique is suggested for quantifying seismic activity over averaging areas of an arbitrary size. The example of the Altai-Sayan seismic zone is used to substantiate the choice of a 1° N × 2° E averaging area instead of the traditional one of 40×40 km 2. Maps compiled with averaging areas of different sizes can be spliced and correlated using a correction coefficient estimated in different models. The new seismicity map of the Altai-Sayan area covers more than 90% of the territory and provides a generalized image of activity being advantageous over the classic maps as it allows better correlation of regional seismicity with the tectonic setting. With larger averaging areas and, correspondingly, a greater amount of data in each area, one can obtain time series of seismic activity to be analyzed using mathematical statistics as a basis for mathematical modeling and simulation of the seismic process.