We analyse the earthquake magnitude distribution of 'linear morphogenic earthquakes' that reactivated dip-slip normal faults within the Mediterranean Region. Information on past events is obtained following two distinct methodological approaches: the geological one (morphotectonic investigations and palaeoseismological excavations) and the historical one (contemporaneous descriptions and surveys of coseismic ruptures). In order to homogenize the different datasets, and therefore enabling a comparison, we calculate moment magnitudes (Mw) starting from seismic moments (M0) estimates. The cumulative distributions thus obtained for the two datasets show differences that a series of non-parametric tests suggests to be statistically significant. Coseismic displacements are systematically overestimated for strong (Mw>6.5) historically-based earthquakes and for moderate (5.0-6.0) palaeoseismologically-observed events. Also concerning the rupture length, the geological information generally provides larger values for moderate earthquakes. The possible causes of this discrepancy and the consequences in using the two datasets for seismic hazard assessment analyses are also discussed.

Magnitude distribution of linear morphogenic earthquakes in the Mediterranean Region: insights from palaeoseismological and historical data

CAPUTO, Riccardo
Primo
;
2008

Abstract

We analyse the earthquake magnitude distribution of 'linear morphogenic earthquakes' that reactivated dip-slip normal faults within the Mediterranean Region. Information on past events is obtained following two distinct methodological approaches: the geological one (morphotectonic investigations and palaeoseismological excavations) and the historical one (contemporaneous descriptions and surveys of coseismic ruptures). In order to homogenize the different datasets, and therefore enabling a comparison, we calculate moment magnitudes (Mw) starting from seismic moments (M0) estimates. The cumulative distributions thus obtained for the two datasets show differences that a series of non-parametric tests suggests to be statistically significant. Coseismic displacements are systematically overestimated for strong (Mw>6.5) historically-based earthquakes and for moderate (5.0-6.0) palaeoseismologically-observed events. Also concerning the rupture length, the geological information generally provides larger values for moderate earthquakes. The possible causes of this discrepancy and the consequences in using the two datasets for seismic hazard assessment analyses are also discussed.
2008
Caputo, Riccardo; Mucciarelli, M.; Pavlides, S.
File in questo prodotto:
File Dimensione Formato  
2008_Caputo_et_alii_GJI.pdf

solo gestori archivio

Descrizione: Full text editoriale
Tipologia: Full text (versione editoriale)
Licenza: NON PUBBLICO - Accesso privato/ristretto
Dimensione 4.14 MB
Formato Adobe PDF
4.14 MB Adobe PDF   Visualizza/Apri   Richiedi una copia

I documenti in SFERA sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11392/529822
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? ND
  • Scopus 10
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? 8
social impact