Geology in the 1996 USGS seismic-hazard maps, central and eastern United States

Seismological Research Letters
By:  and 

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Abstract

The current (1996) national probabilistic seismic-hazard maps utilize information about geologic structure and tectonics of the central and eastern U.S. to compensate for uncertainty that arises from the short seismicity record. Geology was incorporated into the maps mainly as seven source zones that are delineated in three distinct ways. The North American stable continental region is divided into two large zones, the sparsely seismic Precambrian craton and the more active Phanerozoic rim. Five other source zones are much smaller - the Wabash Valley source zone is within the craton, whereas the Reelfoot Rift, eastern Tennessee, Charleston, and Charlevoix source zones are in the Phanerozoic rim of the continent. We document these zones and explain and justify their use. The seven zones provide a foundation from which we suggest a criterion for including more geology in future maps.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Geology in the 1996 USGS seismic-hazard maps, central and eastern United States
Series title Seismological Research Letters
DOI 10.1785/gssrl.71.2.273
Volume 71
Issue 2
Year Published 2000
Language English
Publisher Seismological Society of America
Description 10 p.
First page 273
Last page 282
Country Canada, United States
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