RING-SHAPED SEISMICITY STRUCTURES IN THE REGION OF IRAN: POSSIBLE PREPARATION FOR LARGE EARTHQUAKES

Abstract

We have been studying some seismicity characteristics in the region of Iran including those connected with preparation for large earthquakes. It was established that ring-shaped seismicity structure have been formed within depth range of 0-33 km prior to large Ezgeleh earthquake of 12.11.2017 (Mw=7,3). Shallow seismicity rings are characterized by threshold magnitude values (Mt1) and big axis lengths (L). Earlier we have obtained correlation dependences of Mt1 and lgL values on magnitudes of main events Mw for intracontinental earthquakes with mechanisms of reverse and oblique-reverse faulting, prevailing in the region of Iran. Using these dependences we estimated magnitude of large event which could be prepared in the area of ring structure: Mw=7,1±0,1 for the zone of the Ezgeleh earthquake. Big ring structures were identified at the south-west, north and east of Iran, where large earthquakes are not known according to instrumental and historical data. We estimated magnitudes of possible large earthquakes by characteristics of these structures: Mw=7,2±0,3, Mw=7,1±0,2 and Mw=6,6±0,1 in the regions mentioned respectively. Large seismic event, which probably is being prepared within the south-western part of Iran, can represent a special danger due to nearness of it’s source to the nuclear power plant “Busher”. We discuss the reasons of ring structures formation.