A discussion on the application ofb-value to the prediction of seismic tendency

In the estimation of seismic tendency, using Gutenberg-Richter’sb-value and using Hurst exponent are two commonly used methods. Based on the fractal geometry of earthquake time series, we point out that these two methods correlate to each other. In the perspective of fractional Brownian motion (FBM), an earthquake sequence withb>3/4 and that withb<3/4 have different dynamic properties. Foundation item: The MOST Project G1998040705. Contribution No. 01FE2010, Institute of Geophysics, China Seismological Bureau.