Correlation Fractal and Multifractal Characteristics of Seismic Activity in the Taiwan Area, China

• Published in: Acta geologica Sinica (Beijing) Vol. 79; no. 2; pp. 225 - 235
• Main Authors: Jiandong, XU, Jianfa, HUANG, Fuquan, WEI, Yunpeng, YAN, Yaping, LI, Chien-te, LIN
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.04.2005
• Subjects: correlation fractal; multifractal; seismic belt; seismic region; Taiwan; 台湾省; 地质断裂; 地震带; 地震活动性
• ISSN: 1000-9515; 1755-6724
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-6724.2005.tb00885.x

Based on the analysis of newly collected data of plate tectonics, distribution of active faults and crustal deformation, the Taiwan area is divided into two seismic regions and six seismic belts. Then, correlation fractal dimensions of all the regions and belts are calculated, and the fractal characteristics of hypocenteral distribution can be quantitatively analyzed. Finally, multifractal dimensions Dq and f(α) are calculated by using the earthquake catalog of the past 11 years in the Taiwan area. This study indicates that (1) there exists a favorable corresponding relationship between spatial images of seismic activity described with correlation fractal dimension analysis and tectonic settings; (2) the temporal structure of earthquakes is not single but multifractal fractal, and the pattern of Dq variation with time is a good indicator for predicting strong earthquake events.