1988 Armenia Earthquake. I: Seismological, Geotechnical, and Structural Overview

Abstract

This is the first in a sequence of five papers dealing with engineering aspects of the surface‐wave magnitude Ms≈6.8, 1988 Armenia earthquake, the devastating effects of which are still being felt in Armenia. Although the central theme of our three‐year study has been to assess the role of local soil conditions on the magnitude and geographic distribution of damage, we have come to recognize that a close link exists among seismological, geological, geotechnical, and structural aspects of the Armenia earthquake. Our field investigations and analysis of various geologic and engineering aspects of the earthquake have culminated in a series of five papers. This and the companion paper present mostly factual information pertaining to: (1) The mechanics of the fault and its surface breakout; (2) some potentially significant topographic, geologic, and geotechnical features; and (3) the statistics of damage in cities of Spitak, Leninakan (now called Kumayri), and Kirovakan, Armenia, correlated to geologic and soi...