Spatial variations of fundamental seismotectonic parameters for the earthquake occurrences in the Eastern Mediterranean and Caucasus

In this study, a comprehensive statistical analysis was made for different parts of the world. For this purpose, fundamental seismotectonic earthquake parameters such as b-value, magnitude completeness, Mc-value stress distribution and moment release were analysed and their interrelationship was investigated. In this context, for the evaluation of earthquake hazard potential, spatial variations of these fundamental parameters were achieved for the Eastern Mediterranean and Caucasus since there do not exist detailed studies including these parameters for these regions of the world. The high-resolution maps of the b-value, Mc-value and stress variance were analysed in the different seismotectonic regions in the Eastern Mediterranean and Caucasus. This study considers the spatial anomalies and correlation models between the b-value, faulting styles, and stress regime and moment release. Lower b-values (b ≤ 1) were observed along with the Main Marmara Fault, eastern Turkey, western Alborz, northern Zagros, south-east Iran and the north-east Caucasus, and these small b-values indicate the active seismic region. Mc level in most of Turkey is in and around 2.8. However, Mc-value is about 3.0 in the Caucasus and about 3.5 level in Iran. This work also includes a stress inversion map in the region based on the focal mechanisms. The normal, strike-slip and a few thrust fault solutions were observed in the research areas. The results show that a combination of these parameters may supply preliminary tools for future researches. Consequently, the spatial pattern of the b-values, moment releases and stress regimes can be used as considerable promise for the predicting of forthcoming seismic hazard regions.