Earthquake Source Parameters of Active Faults for Seismic Potential Assessment in Chianan Region, Taiwan

Earthquake Source Parameters of Active Faults for Seismic Potential Assessment in Chianan Region, Taiwan

Chiayi and Tainan(Chianan) region in southwestern Taiwan are scattered by several active faults which have induced massive earthquakes. The seismicity in general is quite high and widespread in this region. The potential disastrous earthquakes are expected in the near future. The present study aims at monitoring the micro-earthquakes activityin the Chianan region for three years. The monitoring aims are not only the active faults, but also the blind faults and other seismogenic structures beneath the wide coastal plain. The micro-earthquakes will help us to understand the probable fault planes and rupture mechanisms of major faults. 21 highly-sensitive broadband stations were installed to develop a regional network covering the Chiayi County and City, Tainan City and adjacent foothills as well as adjoining major seismogenic area. The monitoring data will provide the important information about the recent seismicity and the source parameters of active faults that is indispensable to assess the seismic potential for the Chianan region.