Historical seismicity in Mexico during 1568–1837: intensity evaluation and data reliability

Marco-Antonio Torres-Vera ()

Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, 2010, vol. 54, issue 3, 863-878

Abstract: Iso-intensity contour maps were calculated on the basis of the intensity data derived from historical information about strongest earthquakes in Mexico. Intensity data contain a great deal of information that can be used to constrain the essential characteristics of the seismic source. In particular, both the seismological theory and its practice suggest that the orientation of the source of significant earthquakes is reflected in the elongation of the associated damage pattern. The present paper uses information about historical seismicity in Mexico from 1568 to 1837 to point out the sites, where the strongest damages took place. After information selection, maps of iso-intensities were built to determine epicentres. This information was interpreted, and damages and major risk zones were mapped. The systematic application of this method to all the M > 5.5 earthquakes that occurred in Mexico in the past five centuries produced encouraging results about the determination of the seismic source parameters that compare well with existing instrumental, geological, and geodynamic evidence. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2010

Keywords: Natural hazards; Felt area; Earthquake intensity; Seismic moment; Earthquake location (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2010
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DOI: 10.1007/s11069-010-9510-0

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