Probability of magnitude detection for the seismological network of Oman

Abstract

The current work aims to evaluate the probability of magnitude detection in the Sultanate of Oman, adopting the probability-based magnitude of completeness method. The spatial configuration of the seismic network in addition to the recorded phases and the applied magnitude equation are required for implementation of the method. Therefore, the history of the Oman Seismological Network and the up-to-date configuration of seismic stations were documented. The analysis is done based on a unified magnitude earthquake database for all recorded events since November 2013 until April 2018. The probability of detection is computed for each seismic station, and then synthesized maps of the detection probability of an event with specific magnitude were developed. These maps show that Oman Seismological Network is able to record small earthquakes occurring close to inhabitant areas. The probability of completeness magnitude map is presented and indicates that most earthquakes generated within the territory of the Sultanate with magnitude equal to or greater than ML 2.5 are completely recorded since 2013. Moreover, all earthquakes with magnitude ML 3.5 initiated from the potential seismic sources in and around Oman are efficiently recorded by the Oman Seismological Network. Nevertheless, the results showed that additional seismic stations should be installed to enhance the detectability of man-made and small natural earthquakes at specific areas in the Sultanate of Oman.