Ring-shaped seismicity structures, being formed in the Alaska region: Justi-fied prediction of the place and magnitude of the Simeonof earthquake of July 22, 2020 (Mw 7.8)

Abstract

We have been studying some seismicity characteristics connected with Simeonof earthquake of July 22, 2020 (Mw 7.8) in the area of Shumagin seismic gap, located in the region of South Alaska. 8 years before this event, the authors picked up here ring-shaped seismicity structure. Using characteristics of this structure we made a conclusion on preparation for large earth-quake (Mw~8), similarly to many events in subduction zones. We used data on threshold magnitude and size of the ring structure, and earlier obtained dependences of these parame-ters on magnitudes of main events for the subduction zones in the Eastern Pacific. Accumula-tion of new seismicity data prior to 2020/07/22 allowed us to specify the source location and magnitude of the Simeonof earthquake: Mw=7.9±0.3. It was shown that after this event new ring structures continued to form, which can correspond to preparation for larger earthquake: Mw=8.2±0.2. Geodynamical processes, which lead to formation of the ring structures, are discussing.