Homogenization of Earthquake Catalogue in Terms of Magnitude in Iran and Adjoining Region

Abstract

In any seismic hazard assessment a uniform earthquake catalogue is an essential parameter. In this research, an earthquake catalogue of Iran and adjacent areas was studied, using national and international catalogues. The considered region covers a quadrangle limited by 23 to 42°N and 42 to 65°E including Iran and adjacent areas. Earthquake data from the third millennium BC until 2014 were considered in this study. The standardization of the catalogue in terms of magnitude was achieved and new relations were generated to convert all types of magnitude into moment magnitude by using the orthogonal regression technique. Based on the proposed relations, M_W can be estimated and considered as a unified magnitude scale.