On the estimation of earthquake maximum magnitude based on a joint analysis of seismological and geothermal parameters

To improve the reliability of earthquake prediction, it is important to determine those layers in the crust of the earth in which the foci of most strong earthquakes occur. An analysis of regional earthquake catalogues shows that in depressions strong events originate within a specific layer in the middle part of the crust. An investigation of the geothermal regime in the depressions under study shows that the thickness and location of this layer depend on geothermal parameters which correlate with the strongest earthquake magnitude in particular areas. Thus, it seems possible to use geothermal and seismological parameters for estimating the maximum magnitude of earthquakes for at least some areas.