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The importance of strong motion seismology in India

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Abstract

The high seismicity of portions of the Indian peninsula, together with the high density of population and industrial growth, results in a significant seismic risk in many parts of the subcontinent. Large construction projects throughout the peninsula require an adequate basis for earthquake-resistant design. Thus, as well as strong scientific arguments, there are major practical reasons why a substantial programme to record strong seismic ground motion should be carried out in India. This paper first reviews the history of strong motion instrumental recording, beginning with the important accelerograms obtained in the Koyna earthquake of 11 December 1969 through the recent increase in strong motion instrumentation, particularly in association with construction of large dams. It is argued that there is a pressing need for further extension of strong motion accelerograph coverage of India, especially along the seismically active regional thrust faults of the Himalayan region. Such programme expansion should follow deliberate strategies of site selection, designed to optimize the scientific and practical returns, given the requirements of minimum costs, reliable maintenance and accessible data.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Geology and Geophysics and Civil Engineering, University of California, 94720, Berkeley, California, USA

    Bruce A Bolt

  2. Seismological Laboratory, Department of Geological Sciences, Mackay School of Mines, University of Reno, 89557, Reno, Nevada, USA

    James N Brune

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  1. Bruce A Bolt
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  2. James N Brune
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Bolt, B.A., Brune, J.N. The importance of strong motion seismology in India. Proc. Indian Acad. Sci. (Earth Planet Sci.) 98, 125–132 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02880380

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