41 Global seismicity: 1900–1999

• Published in: International Geophysics Vol. 81; pp. 665,XV - 690,XVI
• Main Authors: Engdahl, E.R., Villaseñor, A.
• Format: Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Science & Technology 2002
• ISBN: 0124406521; 9780124406520
• ISSN: 0074-6142
• DOI: 10.1016/S0074-6142(02)80244-3

Seismicity data spanning long periods of time are essential for a thorough understanding of earthquake phenomena. Seismic activity is nonuniform over time and the rate of seismic moment release exhibits large temporal variations. This chapter presents a comprehensive and self-consistent catalog of global seismicity spanning the 20th century. It focuses to produce a comprehensive digital hypocenter and phase arrival-time database for most globally detected earthquakes during the 20th century, including a complete station list with codes, locations, and dates of operation. For the earthquake research community, this database provides a reliable starting point for a wide range of studies—including source parameter studies, delineation of rupture zones of large earthquakes from aftershock distributions, further improvements in Earth models, and detailed studies of the seismicity of active regions. The new database can also be of great utility in providing fundamental information for reliable seismic hazard assessment, especially in developing countries located in active seismic belts whose seismic history is poorly known.