Premonitory seismicity patterns in a platform region (Ardennes-Rhenish and Brabant massifs, lower Rhine graben)

Abstract

This paper tests the similarity between premonitory seismicity patterns in active seismic belts and in a platform area of low seismicity. This is of obvious theoretical interest as part of the general problem of similarity in geodynamic processes of different scales. From a more practical point of view, the prediction of earthquakes in platform areas such as the lower Rhine graben is important as the possible damage from earthquakes in this area is rapidly increasing because of the construction of high-risk objects such as dams and nuclear power plants, and the increase of vulnerability of many common structures and lifelines.