Updated probabilistic seismic hazard assessment of Pakistan

A probabilistic seismic hazard analysis of Pakistan is carried out to produce seismic hazard maps showing peak ground acceleration for the 2% and 10% of probability of exceedance in 50 years and spectral acceleration for the 5% and 2% probabilities of exceedance in 50 years. The main objective of this work is to define seismic hazard definition for Pakistan based on the classical approach using updated seismic hazards analysis inputs. A composite earthquake catalogue consisting of 32,700 events was compiled and used in the analysis with a magnitude range of Mw 4.0–8.3. The computations were made at a rectangular grid of 5 km in the OpenQuake engine. Ground motion parameter values have been obtained for flat rock reference seismic site conditions having a shear wave velocity of 760 m/s. Through the logic tree, epistemic uncertainties inherent in ground motion prediction equations and the maximum magnitude potential of seismic sources were estimated. Ground motion prediction equations were assigned equal weights in the logic tree while different weights were assigned to the maximum magnitude potential models. Results of the study were expressed as ground motion contour maps and median uniform hazard spectra for important cities in Pakistan. The results showed that peak ground acceleration values in Pakistan range from 0.16 to 0.54 g for the 10% of probability of exceedance, 0.23–0.72 g for the 5% probability of exceedance and 0.32–1.02 g for the 2% of probability of exceedance in 50 years. Spectral acceleration values at 0.2 s range from 0.67 to 2.19 g for the 2% chance of exceedance in 50 years, respectively, whereas spectral acceleration at 1.0 s ranges from 0.09 to 0.52 g for the 2% chance of exceedance in 50 years. The centre of Pakistan and the southern and the northern region are exposed to high hazard compared to the central-eastern part of the country. Quetta, Chitral, Peshawar, Islamabad Ziarat and Gwadar are exposed to seismic hazard in the PGA range of 0.32–0.45 g. Comparison of the results of this study with those of similar studies suggests that the seismic estimates proposed are reliable. The study provides a demonstration that the classical seismic hazard approach applied here is rational and applicable in Pakistan.