The Quantitative Seismicity Maps of the Arabian Peninsula

Abstract

Three quantitative seismicity maps, the a-value map, the b-value map and the estimated maximum magnitude MAP, have been prepared for the Arabian Peninsula. For preparation of these maps, the frequency- magnitude relation has been used where a and b are constants were estimated using maximum likelihood method. These maps are superimposed on the modified seismotectonic map of Arabian Peninsula. These quantitative seismicity maps reveal that the Arabian Peninsula consists of four high seismic activity zones: Zagros high, Dead Sea rift system high, southern Red sea high and Gulf of Aden and Arab Sea high. The b-values determined by this study and shown on the b- value map are compared with those determined by other workers for various regions in the Arabian Peninsula and they show a good agreement with each other. The maximum magnitude map reveals a Mmax highs associated with the a and b high.