Seismicity of Libya and related problems
Date
1983
Authors
Hassen, Hassen A., author
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Abstract
The seismicity of Libya was investigated. Available data of earthquakes, which have occurred in or near Libya during the period 262 A.D. to 1982, have been collected. These data together with geological information are used to investigate the nature of seismic activity and its relationship to the tectonics of the country. Statistical analysis is used to calculate the frequency-magnitude relation for the data in the period from 1963 to 1982. The results indicate that about 140 earthquakes will equal or exceed a Richter magnitude of 5 every 100 years, and one earthquake will equal or exceed a Richter magnitude of 7 every 100 years. The whole country is characterized by low to moderate levels of seismic activity but some segments have experienced large earthquakes in this century and earlier. On the basis of observed and expected seismicity, a four-fold subdivision is suggested defining the activity of the different parts of the country. The highest activity is found to be concentrated in Cyrenaica (northeastern region) and around the Hun graben (north central region). The southern part of Libya is considered to be seismically stable. Problems encountered when investigating and predicting future seismicity are discussed. The principal problem is the absence of seismic monitoring stations in the country.
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Subject
Libya
seismology
earthquakes
Earthquakes -- Libya
Seismology -- Libya