Journal of Seismology and Earthquake Engineering

Journal of Seismology and Earthquake Engineering

Artificial Statistical Method to Estimating Seismicity Parameters for Ahvaz City Using a Stochastic Synthetic Seismic Catalog

Document Type : Research Article

Authors
1 Faculty of Technology and Mining, Yasouj University, Choram 75761-59836, Iran
2 Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Behbahan Khatam Alanbia University of Technology, Behbahan, Iran.
3 Civil Engineering Department, Yasouj University, Yasuj, Iran
Abstract
Ahvaz City, situated on the southern side of the Zagros folded belt, is classified as a region with moderate seismic hazard according to the Iranian Code of Practice for Seismic Resistant Design of Buildings (Standard No. 2800). Although the quaternary active Ahvaz fault traverses the city, can posing a significant seismic hazard in this area. This study employs an artificial statistical method to compile a comprehensive historical seismic catalog for Ahvaz City and its surrounding area. Under the assumption of stationarity, missing earthquakes are identified and incorporated into the catalog. A stochastic synthetic seismic catalog (SSSC) is constructed, including the initial catalog and added earthquakes. The seismicity parameters of the Gutenberg-Richter law are calculated, yielding values of a = 6.17 and b = 1.03. The results indicate a substantial number of missing earthquakes in the historical and early instrumental period in the Ahvaz region. This highlights the importance of incorporating these events into the seismic hazard assessment. The high number of missing earthquakes underscores the need for more comprehensive and accurate seismic hazard mapping in this region. Given its political and economic significance, Ahvaz City warrants increased attention in the fields of seismic hazard and risk assessment. The findings of this study can inform the development of more effective seismic risk mitigation strategies and enhance the resilience of the city's infrastructure and population.
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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 15 April 2025

  • Receive Date 20 September 2024
  • Revise Date 31 March 2025
  • Accept Date 15 April 2025
  • Publish Date 15 April 2025