Probabilistic Seismic Hazard for the United Arab Emirates Using Integrated Seismic Source Model

Abstract

AbstractImproving knowledge of active faults encouraged researchers to include faults as seismogenic sources in probabilistic seismic hazed assessments (PSHA). In the current study, a PSHA analysis for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was conducted using faults along with area seismic sources utilizing a logic-tree framework. Seismicity is evaluated in terms of spectral acceleration (SA) and Peak ground acceleration (PGA) for return periods of 2,475, 975, and 475 years. The results are compared with seismic hazard levels from previous PSHA studies using area sources. The effect of the fault is apparent towards the northeastern side of UAE since the increase in the slip rate of the Dibba fault compared to the rest of the faults contributed to the increase in the seismic hazard in the vicinity of the fault. Contour maps for the SAs at 0.2 and 1.0 s and PGA are developed to be used for the seismic hazard design in the UAE. The largest seismic hazard is estimated in the northeastern borders of UAE at the coastal area of Ras-Al Khaimah with PGA 0.22g for a return period of 2,475 years.