Upgrading the seismic hazard of Lebanon in light of the recent discovery of the offshore thrust fault system

Abstract EN

This paper presents the results of a study undertaken to evaluate the implications of the newly mapped offshore thrust fault system on the seismic hazard of Lebanon and the already established seismic zone parameters used by the engineering community for earthquake design in Lebanon.

This is particularly critical since the fault is located at a close proximity to the major cities and economic centers of the country.

The updated seismic hazard was assessed using probabilistic methods of hazard analysis.

The potential sources of seismic activities that affect Lebanon were identified, taking into account the newly mapped fault system, and the earthquake recurrence relationships of these sources were developed from instrumental seismology data, historical records, and earlier studies undertaken to evaluate the seismic hazard of neighboring countries.

Maps of peak ground acceleration contours, based on 10 percent probability of exceedance in 50 years, and 100 years time spans, were developed.