Reconstruction of liquefaction damage scenario in Northern Bihar during 1934 and 1988 earthquake using geospatial methods

Abstract

Northern Bihar witnessed severe liquefaction events during the 1934 (8.2 Mw) and 1988 (6.9 Mw) earthquakes. This study reconstructed the liquefaction damage scenario due to both earthquakes (1934, 1988). The liquefaction hazard map was prepared using two techniques (1) Rapid Response and Loss Estimation (Model A) and (2) the (Model B) Liquefaction Susceptibility Map (LSM) integrated with the Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA). The LSM was prepared using the multicriteria decision-making technique considering the site-specific thematic layers. The ground motion parameters (PGV and PGA) were retrieved from isoseismal maps prepared for both events. The hazard map prepared using Model B was classified into four classes very low, low, high, and severe, and the results obtained from both models were compared. The area under the curve (AUC) was determined for Model A 0.88 and 0.85 and Model B 0.94 and 0.84 for the 1934 and 1988 earthquakes, respectively. The prepared liquefaction hazard map may help policymakers demarcate the study area according to liquefaction hazard potential and mitigate future hazards.