Magnitude conversion problem for the Turkish earthquake data

Abstract

Earthquake catalogues which form the main input in seismic hazard analysis generally report earthquake magnitudes in different scales. Magnitudes reported in different scales have to be converted to a common scale while compiling a seismic data base to be utilized in seismic hazard analysis. This study aims at developing empirical relationships to convert earthquake magnitudes reported in different scales, namely, surface wave magnitude, M S , local magnitude, M L , body wave magnitude, m b and duration magnitude, M d , to the moment magnitude (M w ). For this purpose, an earthquake data catalogue is compiled from domestic and international data bases for the earthquakes occurred in Turkey. The earthquake reporting differences of various data sources are assessed. Conversion relationships are established between the same earthquake magnitude scale of different data sources and different earthquake magnitude scales. Appropriate statistical methods are employed iteratively, considering the random errors both in the independent and dependent variables. The results are found to be sensitive to the choice of the analysis methods.

Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Assessment for Izmir, Turkey

“…In the same study, for the saturation problem of some earthquake magnitudes (for instance, M S ) detailed analyses were carried out. Besides, the distributions of earthquakes due to different earthquake catalogs within the same earthquake scale and among different magnitude scales were investigated (DENIZ and YUCEMEN, 2010). As a result, we found that the surface wave magnitude results of KOERI were overestimating the earthquake magnitude with respect to the other data sources.…”

“…As a result, we found that the surface wave magnitude results of KOERI were overestimating the earthquake magnitude with respect to the other data sources. To overcome this problem, the so called intra-scale conversion relationships were developed and the earthquake catalog was homogenized before converting all the magnitudes into moment magnitude (DENIZ and YUCEMEN, 2010).…”

Spatial Analysis of b-value Variability in Armutlu Peninsula (NW Turkey)

“…On the other hand, a Moment Magnitude (Mw) is preferred because of its applicability for all ranges of earthquakes; large or small, far or near, shallow or deep focused. In or- der to construct a homogeneous earthquake catalog, a moment magnitude-duration magnitude relationship of [30] was used in this study.…”

Sensitivity of seismic hazard results to alternative seismic source and magnitude-recurrence models: a case study for Jordan

“…The conversion is performed using the equation derived by Deniz and Yücemen (2010) based on earthquakes recorded in Turkey, which is given as follows:…”