An investigation on Balakot, Muzaffarabad (Pakistan) earthquake, 8 Oct. 2005, Mw 7.6; geological aspects and intensity distribution

In this paper, the investigations on seismotectonic and intensity evaluations of epicentral and meizoseismal regions in Muzaffarabad earthquake—8 Oct. 2005, Mw 7.6—are summarized using The European Macroseismic Scale (EMS-98). The observations are compiled based on the field investigations and isoseismal map. The results show that the isoseismals are elongated parallel to the reactivated Muzaffarabad fault, and the attenuation is high in the direction normal to the fault compared with the direction parallel to it. The geotechnical investigations in Muzaffarabad Valley have helped the authors to assign intensity values in the localities where some huge landslides are observed. Finally, the empirical laws, previously developed for intensity attenuation in Iran in EMS-98 scale, are compared with the intensity observations here. The results are roughly consistent with the general form of attenuation laws. However, it is found that the intensity attenuations are different in the directions normal and parallel to the fault.     

The effect of relative density on the response of sand to internal fluidization

Acta Geotechnica - Fluidization, in the geotechnical engineering context, is a failure mechanism that can occur during piping, leakage in distribution pipes or leakage through the sheet pile walls...     

Designing an integrated urban growth prediction model: a scenario-based approach for preserving scenic landscapes

Abstract

This study demonstrates the integration of landscape aesthetic quality and probable urban growth patterns in urban landscape modelling. This was performed using SLEUTH as a scenario-based urban growth model in Gorgan City of Iran. Future urbanization was predicted under developing three different scenarios including historical, managed and aesthetically sound urban growth up to the year 2030. Multi-Layer Perceptron neural network model was conducted for mapping the aesthetic suitability of the study area. The aesthetic suitability layer was used in the third scenario of SLEUTH model as the excluded layer to protect the scenic patches in future. The results showed that by correct implementation of urban growth policies, 323 ha in the second scenario and 650 ha in the third scenario would be saved. This integrated model would help the planners for a better management of urban landscapes as a Spatial Decision Support System.     

Iranian earthquakes, a uniform catalog with moment magnitudes

A uniform earthquake catalog is an essential tool in any seismic hazard analysis. In this study, an earthquake catalog of Iran and adjacent areas was compiled, using international and national databanks. The following priorities were applied in selecting magnitude and earthquake location: (a) local catalogs were given higher priority for establishing the location of an earthquake and (b) global catalogs were preferred for determining earthquake magnitudes. Earthquakes that have occurred within the bounds between 23–42° N and 42–65° E, with a magnitude range of M _W 3.5–7.9, from the third millennium BC until April 2010 were included. In an effort to avoid the “boundary effect,” since the newly compiled catalog will be mainly used for seismic hazard assessment, the study area includes the areas adjacent to Iran. The standardization of the catalog in terms of magnitude was achieved by the conversion of all types of magnitude into moment magnitude, M _W, by using the orthogonal regression technique. In the newly compiled catalog, all aftershocks were detected, based on the procedure described by Gardner and Knopoff (Bull Seismol Soc Am 64:1363–1367, 1974). The seismicity parameters were calculated for the six main tectonic seismic zones of Iran, i.e., the Zagros Mountain Range, the Alborz Mountain Range, Central Iran, Kope Dagh, Azerbaijan, and Makran.