In seismology, a Seismic Zone or Seismic Belt is an area of seismicity potentially sharing a common cause. It can be referred to as an Earthquake Belt as well. It may also be a region on a map for which a common areal rate of seismicity is assumed for the purpose of calculating probabilistic ground motions. An obsolete definition is a region on a map in which a common level of seismic design is required.[1]
The Major Seismic Zones[edit]
A type of seismic zone is a Wadati–Benioff zone which corresponds with the down-going slab in a subduction zone.[2] The world's greatest Seismic Belt, known as the Circum-Pacific seismic belt,[3] is where a majority of the Earth's quakes occur. Approximately 81% of major earthquakes occur along this belt. The Circum-Pacific seismic belt has earned its own nickname and is often referred to as the Ring of Fire, a ring-like formation that encompasses a majority of the Pacific Ocean. The Notorious San Andreas Fault,[4] responsible for many major quakes in the West Coast of the United States, lies within the Circum-Pacific Seismic Belt or Ring of Fire.[5]
Examples[edit]
- Charlevoix Seismic Zone (Quebec, Canada)
- New Madrid Seismic Zone (Midwestern United States)
- South West Seismic Zone (Western Australia)
See also[edit]
References[edit]
This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Geological Survey.
- ^ "What is a seismic zone, or seismic hazard zone? Where can I find information on seismic zones 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4? What seismic zone is location X in?". United States Geological Survey. Retrieved 2018-05-31.
- ^ "Benioff zone (seismic belt) – Britannica Online Encyclopedia". Britannica.com. Retrieved 2018-05-31.
- ^ "Where do earthquakes occur? | U.S. Geological Survey". www.usgs.gov. Retrieved 2024-06-01.
- ^ "The San Andreas Fault". pubs.usgs.gov. Retrieved 2024-06-01.
- ^ "Ring of Fire | Definition, Map, & Facts | Britannica". www.britannica.com. 2024-05-09. Retrieved 2024-06-01.