Hybrid stochastic finite fault modeling of 2003, M6.5, Bam earthquake (Iran)

Accelerographic time series of the M ^∗6.5 Bam (Iran) earthquake of December 26, 2003, are used to calibrate the source and propagation path characteristics based on a hybrid stochastic approach, which includes stochastic finite fault and analytical modeling. Estimation of source characteristics is based on the calibration of finite-fault modeling to near-source observed time series, while propagation characteristics are estimated using far-field recorded ones. The distance-dependent Kappa factor is obtained from the slope of smoothed amplitude of acceleration Fourier spectrum at higher frequencies. The estimated zero-distance Kappa value is 0.06. Calibration based on near-source time series indicates a stress drop of 130 bars for the Bam earthquake. The strong impulsive long-period motion, recorded at the only near-source station, is modeled using analytical modeling of Mavroeidis and Papageorgiou (2003).