Ground motion parameters of Shillong plateau: One of the most seismically active zones of northeastern India

Abstract

Strong ground motion parameters for Shillong plateau of northeastern India are examined. Empirical relations are obtained for main parameters of ground motions as a function of earthquake magnitude, fault type, source depth, velocity characterization of medium and distance. Correlation between ground motion parameters and characteristics of seismogenic zones are established. A new attenuation relation for peak ground acceleration is developed, which predicts higher expected PGA in the region. Parameters of strong motions, particularly the predominant periods and duration of vibrations, depend on the morphology of the studied area. The study measures low estimates of logarithmic width in Shillong plateau. The attenuation relation estimated for pulse width critically indicates increased pulse width dependence on the logarithmic distance which accounts for geometrical spreading and anelastic attenuation. © 2009 Seismological Society of China and Springer-Verlag GmbH.