Spatial Distribution of Return Period in China Based on b-value Obtained by Using a New Method

The seismicity in the territory of China, a seismotectonically complicated region, has been examined by using some complete samples of the earthquakes occurred during the last two centuries (1800 - 1999). The A-value of the Gutenberg-Richter relation was estimated by using those data samples. Taking into account the fact that the b-value is spatially more stable than the a value, the b values were calculated at the nodes of a normal grid superposing on the whole area studied and their distribution were examined. The results show that the b values increase smoothly from 0.4 to 0.93. Furthermore, keeping the b values obtained fixed, the a value distribution was also examined. In order to display more detailed information about the seismicity, smaller cell surface (10000 km2) for the calculation of the a value has chosen. The mean return period for different magnitudes was also calculated for each small cell.