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

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

The Chiayi and Tainan(Chianan) regions in southwestern Taiwan are scattered with several active faults that have induced massive earthquakes. The seismicity is generally quite high and widespread in this region. The potential for disastrous earthquakes is expected to be high in the near future. Therefore, the present study aims to monitor micro-earthquake activity in the Chianan region over three years. The acquired monitoring data will provide important information about recent seismicity and the source parameters of active faults, which are indispensable in assessing the seismic potential of the Chianan region. Over 2100 earthquakes were observed using a broad-band micro-earthquake network. The data are processed and analyzed periodically to evaluate the seismicity of the Chianan region. Earthquake relocations and focal mechanism solutions were also studied to understand the probable seismogenic structures and source ruptures. Several earthquake clusters induced by the activities of faults are identified in this study. The rupture planes and seismicities of some active faults are confirmed.