seismicity analysis

Question 1

what is the gutenburg richter law, and how do you get it?

Answer 1

log (N) = a - bM

Question 2

what are the two methods to obtain the b value?

Answer 2

least square method - essentially linear regression, minimized the distance from each point to the best fit line. this is what excel does
Max liklihood event : b = log(e)/Mav-Mmin

Question 3

what is a drawback of the least squares method for GR’s b value?

Answer 3

it relies on a Gaussian error at each point rather than a Poisson.
Disproportionally influenced by larger events

Question 4

what are typcial b value ranges for different settings?

Answer 4

1.5-2 volcanic regions
1-1.5 oceanic ridge
0.7-1 for interplate
0.5-0.7 for subduction

Question 5

when do characteristic models work well ?

Answer 5

on faults where there are similar events of similar magnitude

Question 6

what is catalog declustering?

Answer 6

seperating out foreshocks, aftershocks and main events

Question 7

whats the most common method for declustering?

Answer 7

window and time methods, based on time around the main shock, and the distance from it

Question 8

what is magnitude-scaling relationships and why is it relevant?

Answer 8

relationship between area and magnitude - area goes up a TON with higher magnitude events

Question 9

why can knowing slip rates be useful?

Answer 9

related to seismic moment - its the derivative