Macroseismic data on 1764–1913 Altai earthquakes

Abstract

Descriptions of the macroseismic effects of Altai earthquakes (1764–1913) from primary sources are presented. Though the main result of the study is a compilation of felt reports in the Altai region more complete than before, parametric solutions are proposed, when it is possible. “More complete” means not only more macroseismic information in some localities on known earthquakes or discovering previously unknown seismic events. It is important that sources of primary information are sought out and presented. As far as concerns earthquake parameters, for some seismic events they are conventional (taking into account the limited macroseismic data available). It is supposed that actual macroseismic effects for most (if not all) earthquakes in the region are available only in the far-field area of strong seismic events, whose sources are located in sparsely populated mountains. If true, modern methods of seismic hazard assessment using parametric earthquake catalogs may give inadequate results.