| Abstract: | Several methods have been used to estimate the magnitude of the largest possible earthquake (Mmax) in parts of the Central and Eastern United States and adjacent Canada (CEUSAC). Each method has pros and cons. The largest observed earthquake in a specified area provides an unarguable lower bound on Mmax in the area. Beyond that, all methods are undermined by the enigmatic nature of geologic controls on the propagation of large CEUSAC ruptures. Short historical-seismicity records decrease the defensibility of several methods that are based on characteristics of small areas in most of CEUSAC. Methods that use global tectonic analogs of CEUSAC encounter uncertainties in understanding what ‘analog‘ means. Five of the methods produce results that are inconsistent with paleoseismic findings from CEUSAC seismic zones or individual active faults. |
| Genre: | USGS Numbered Series |
| ProdID: | 97485 |
| Citation Author: | Wheeler, Russell L. |
| Citation Contributing Office: | U.S. Geological Survey |
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| Citation Edition: | - |
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| Citation Language: | ENGLISH |
| Citation Larger Work Title: | |
| Citation LatN: | 0550000 |
| Citation LatS: | 0250000 |
| Citation LonE: | -0600000 |
| Citation LonW: | -1150000 |
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| Citation Online Only Flag: | Y |
| Citation Phsyical Description: | iv, 44 p. |
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| Citation Public Comments: | Prepared with funding from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission |
| Citation Publisher: | U.S. Geological Survey |
| Citation Series: | Open-File Report |
| Citation Series Code: | OFR |
| Citation Series Number: | 2009-1018 |
| Citation Search Results Text: | Methods of Mmax Estimation East of the Rocky Mountains; 2009; OFR; 2009-1018; Wheeler, Russell L. |
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| Citation Year: | 2009 |
| Type: | citation/reference |
| Text: | Methods of Mmax Estimation East of the Rocky Mountains; 2009; OFR; 2009-1018; Wheeler, Russell L. |
| URL (THUMBNAIL): | http://pubs.er.usgs.gov/thumbnails/usgs_thumb.jpg |
| URL (INDEX PAGE): | http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2009/1018/ |
| Date Other: | Wed, 6 May 2009 00:00 -0500 |
| Publisher: | U.S. Geological Survey |
