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The 1855 VISP (Switzerland) earthquake: Early attempts of earthquake intensity classification

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Abstract

Macroseismic evaluation of the 1855 Visp (Wallis, Switzerland) earthquake effects presented by Volger in 1856–58 is discussed. It is demonstrated that the macroseismic scale of the damage-to-buildings submitted and applied by Volger as well as his construction of isoseismal-like (iso-damage) lines into map of the affected region represents the first standard macroseismic analysis of an earthquake. In such a way Volger’s concept has been accepted as a model approach to earthquake study by many later seismologists of the pre-instrumental period.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Geophysical Institute, Acad. Sci. Czech Republic, Boční II/1401, 141 31, Prague 4, Czech Republic

    J. Kozák & J. Vaněk

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  1. J. Kozák
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  2. J. Vaněk
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Kozák, J., Vaněk, J. The 1855 VISP (Switzerland) earthquake: Early attempts of earthquake intensity classification. Stud Geophys Geod 50, 147–160 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11200-006-0008-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11200-006-0008-x

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