Baku will soon get seismic zoning map

Seismic zoning map of Baku is being drawn in Azerbaijan for the first time, geodynamics and seismological department of Geology Institute of Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences Fakhraddin Gadirov said. He said the project is implemented within the framework of the grant program of Science Development Foundation under President of Azerbaijan Republic with the support of Geology Institute.

“Microseismic zoning in Baku will be conducted using the real seismic tremor data. Throughout the history, several seismic dangers occurred in this territory. Earthquake happened in Mashtaga in 1842 (M=5), in Nardaran-Bilgah in 1983 (M=5), in the Caspian Sea in 1986 and 1989 (M=6 and 6.5) and in 2000 (M=6.3). The facts that Baku extended intensively, there are random buildings in the city, the technogenic impacts increase probability that in case of sensible earthquake, the scale and amount of the damage will be large. Therefore, the problem of seismic zoning is very urgent. Microtremor measurements have already been done and analyzed in Baku,” he said.

Gadirov said that measurements were being continued and in the end, using Nagoshi-Nakamura method on the basis of micro-tremor measurements first seismic micro-zoning CIS map of Baku, as well as map of distribution of fundamental frequencies and ground movement amplitudes would be prepared.

Nagoshi-Nakamura method was successfully implemented in Italy, Greece, Japan, Turkey, Russia, the United States, India and other urbanized and seismically active zones.

Gadirov said the researches were conducted in four phases – micro-tremor measurements, interpretation of data, final CIS mapping and preparation of recommendations for relevant government agencies. New modification of Nagoshi-Nakamura elaborated for Baku will also be implemented in researching of seismic threats for other cities of Azerbaijan (Nakhchivan, Sumgayit, Gandja and etc.) “Estimation of expected seismic damages will give an opportunity for early effective planning of expenditures for restoration of life conditions, improvement of awareness of population, estimation of sources to be used in elimination of disaster results. This information will be interesting for the municipalities and executive organizations, Ministry of Emergency Situations, State Oil Company, construction and insurance companies.


/APA/