Statistical tools for maximum possible earthquake magnitude estimation

Several procedures for the statistical estimation of the region-characteristic maximum possible earthquake magnitude, m _max, are currently available. This paper aims to introduce and compare the 12 existing procedures. For each of the procedures given, there are notes on its origin, assumptions made in its derivation, condition for validity, weak and strong points, etc. The applicability of each particular procedure is determined by the assumptions of the model and/or the available information on seismicity of the area.