Macroseismology

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Edited by: Austin J. Elliott and Christoph Gruetzner

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Abstract

In this chapter I discuss the use of so-called macroseismic data, i.e., reports of damage and other effects of shaking on humans and the built environment, to improve the characterization of earthquakes and the ground motions they produce. Macroseismic data are critical not only to investigate earthquakes that occurred before the start of the instrumental era in seismology, but are also, by virtue of the spatially rich nature of the data, of tremendous potential importance to investigate early instrumental and even recent earthquakes. Fueled by both the advent of on-line systems that now produce unprecedented volumes of macroseismic intensity data and by recognition of the importance of understanding key historical earthquakes, there has been a growing appreciation for the value of macroseismic data. It is, however, critical to understand both the unique challenges and the unique opportunities associated with these data. I review the evolution of thought and practices regarding analysis of macroseismic data, and the use of such data to improve the characterization of historic and early instrumental earthquakes.

Publication type Book chapter
Publication Subtype Book Chapter
Title Macroseismology
DOI 10.1007/978-3-031-73580-6_3
Year Published 2025
Language English
Publisher Springer
Contributing office(s) Earthquake Science Center
Description 27 p.
Larger Work Type Book
Larger Work Subtype Monograph
Larger Work Title Understanding past earthquakes
First page 53
Last page 79
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