Focal Depths of Moderate and Large Size Earthquakes in Iran

Document Type : Seismology and Engineering Seismology

Authors

1 Ph.D. Student, Bullard Laboratories, Cambridge University

2 Cambridge University

Abstract

Accurate focal depth estimates are essential for the correct interpretation of seismicity data in terms of regional tectonics and earthquake hazard assessment. Published global earthquake catalogues are a common source of focal depth information, but how accurate are they? We compare estimates of focal depths from the Harvard CMT catalogue and the Engdahl et al [8] relocations of the ISC catalogue with those determined by teleseismic waveform inversion methods, and find that the catalogues can be in error by up to 60km.

Keywords