ON THE LEVEL OF GENERALIZATION OF SEISMOTECTONIC MODELS

Abstract

Seismotectonic domains are the basis for seismic hazard assessment at the level of General Seismic Zoning (GSZ). A fragment of a seismotectonic domain map is analyzed. It is shown that domains do not always represent homogeneous combinations of seismic and tectonic features, as was assumed when they were formulated. Sometimes domains represent a very high degree of generalization, combining quite heterogeneous areas. At the same time, it is shown that it is unjustified to completely abandon generalizing seismotectonic models and rely only on maps of active faults. It is suggested that clearly expressed individual features of strong earthquakes, including those of close magnitudes, impose restrictions on the possibilities of seismic hazard assessment.