Explaining anisotropic macroseismic fields in terms of fault zone attenuation—A simple model

Abstract

In this work, we present a simple model of anisotropic macroseismic field based on the assumption that local and regional geological structures change the shape of the isotropic macroseismic field (as expected in 1D media). Local geological structures, like water saturated stratified media, may increase intensity level by multiple reflections, constructive interference and resonant effects, but inelastic attenuation, significantly stronger in water-saturated soils, as well as destructive interference, may decrease intensities. On the other hand, large geological structures like seismotectonically active fault zones decrease intensities due to energy redistribution and inelastic attenuation. This model has been developed for the Karst region of the Outer Dinarides where site effects may be neglected because of specific building construction. Neglecting of site effects simplifies the model, so we just need a map of seismically active faults acting as modulator of macroseismic field. In order to demonstrate how the model works, we have calculated the standard error for 10 earthquakes and the macroseismic fields for three of them with epicenters in the Outer Dinarides and compared the model to empiric isoseismals.