The purpose and definition of the minimum magnitude limit in PSHA calculations
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Bommer, JJ
Crowley, H
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
A lower limit of magnitude Mmin is routinely defined for integrations of earthquake scenarios in probabilistic seismic‐hazard analysis but there is widespread misunderstanding of the technical bases for determining the value of this parameter. In this article, several misconceptions are identified and discarded prior to providing a clear and unambiguous definition of Mmin that points to the fact that seismic‐hazard assessment is always conditioned by the intended application of the outputs. We argue that Mmin is therefore an engineering parameter that is ultimately related to seismic risk rather than seismic hazard. The confusion surrounding this topic could be largely alleviated by defining lower limits on appropriate intensity measures rather than on magnitudes used as a proxy for shaking levels.
Date Issued
2017-05-10
Date Acceptance
2017-04-11
Citation
Seismological Research Letters, 2017, 88 (4), pp.1097-1106
ISSN
0895-0695
Publisher
Seismological Society of America
Start Page
1097
End Page
1106
Journal / Book Title
Seismological Research Letters
Volume
88
Issue
4
Copyright Statement
© Seismological Society of America.
Subjects
Geochemistry & Geophysics
0404 Geophysics
Publication Status
Published