Comparing seismic parameters for different source zone models in the Iberian Peninsula

Abstract

Seismical parameters of five seismogenic zonings for the Iberian Peninsula have been determined in this work. For that purpose, this research has two key goals. The first is to generate a seismic catalog. The second to calculate the seismical parameters of all the zones of the seismogenic zonings selected. The first key goal has been the creation of a catalog of earthquakes for the Iberian Peninsula and adjacent areas. First, the National Geographic Institute of Spain's catalog has been completed and reviewed with the information from other catalog reviews and specific studies. Second, all magnitude calculations have been homogenized. Third, all dependent data have been eliminated through declustering. Finally, the year of completeness for each magnitude has been considered. The Quaternary active faults database of Iberia has also been used as input data. All of this information has been integrated into a geographic information system. The second key aim is the calculation of the seismical parameters. The first parameter obtained has been the b-value. A method which considers different years of completeness in accordance with the magnitude has been used. Also, the annual rate of earthquakes per square kilometer has been calculated. Moreover, the maximum magnitude known that Quaternary active faults might generate and maximum magnitude recorded in the catalog have been determined. Finally, based solely on the statistical parameters obtained, a critical discussion of the seismogenic zonings of the Iberian Peninsula has been conducted. The results show that some zonings possess insufficient data for a proper calculation of the seismic parameters, from a statistical point of view.