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Shakemap Implementation and Daily Operations in the Puerto Rico Seismic Network (PRSN).

Description: 

The Puerto Rico archipelago has a long history of damaging earthquakes. Major earthquakes from local sources have affected Puerto Rico in 1670, 1787, 1867, 1918 and the most recent in 2020 (Mueller et al, 2003; PRSN web site). Recent trenching has also yielded evidence of possible M7.0 events inland (Prentice and Mann, 2005). The high seismic hazard, large population, high tsunami potential and relatively poor construction practice can result in a potentially devastating combination. Efficient emergency response in the event of a large earthquake will be crucial to minimizing the loss of life and disruption of lifeline systems in Puerto Rico and facilitate a faster recovery.

The ShakeMap System (Wald et al, 1999a) was developed by the United State Geological Survey (USGS) to provide a near time map and disseminate information about the geographical distributions of ground shaking following a large earthquake. The ShakeMap system provides important information about the intensity that people felt during an earthquake. Implementing a robust ShakeMap system is among the top priorities of the Puerto Rico Seismic Network (PRSN) and the Puerto Rico Strong Motion Program (PRSMP). However, the ultimate effectiveness of ShakeMap in post-earthquake response depends not only on its rapid availability, but also on the effective use of the information it provides.

In 2004, the Puerto Rico Seismic Network (PRSN) initially developed some ShakeMap scenarios using the package V3.1. The scenarios proposed probable earthquakes and damaging in Mayaguez and San Juan, Puerto Rico, two of the largest cities in Puerto Rico (Huerfano et al, 2006). Earthquake source parameters were obtained from McCann and Mercado (1998), Zahibo et al (2003) and Huérfano (2003). After some testing and upgrades in the instrumentation and processing we upgraded to the new version V4.0 which is currently in place and used in daily operation in PRSN. Data collected using the Community Internet Intensity Maps (CIIM) are also used as an additional constraint.

Session: ShakeMap-related Research, Development, Operations, Applications and Uses [Poster]

Type: Poster

Date: 4/19/2023

Presentation Time: 08:00 AM (local time)

Presenting Author: Maria Torres

Student Presenter: No

Invited Presentation: 

Authors