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The Influence of Magnitude Determinations on b-Values

Description: 

The b-value describes the relative frequency of small versus large earthquakes in the Gutenberg-Richter relation. It has been found to vary between different regions and can also change spatially and temporally on relatively small scales. Such variations are of great interest to the scientific community because the b-value is considered to directly describe the expected size of future earthquakes. However, not all b-value variations and observations are necessarily meaningful.

When the sample sizes used to calculate b-values are small, statistical errors can lead to apparent variations, even in the absence of true underlying differences. Furthermore, even in large datasets, statistical, technical, and procedural factors unrelated to the physical characteristics of earthquake-size distributions can influence b-values.

In this study, we specifically examine the effects of magnitude determinations on b-values. Differences in magnitude definitions across regions may partly explain inter-regional variations, while network-specific factors, such as station errors or corrections, could introduce systematic spatial biases within a single region. We aim to quantify the influence of magnitude determinations on b-value variations and distinguish how much of the observed variability can be attributed to physical processes versus methodological or instrumental factors.

Session: Improving the State of the Art of Earthquake Forecasting Through Models, Testing and Communication [Poster]

Type: Poster

Date: 4/15/2025

Presentation Time: 08:00 AM (local time)

Presenting Author: Leila

Student Presenter: No

Invited Presentation: 

Poster Number: 135

Authors