Faulting, shallow seismicity and seismic hazard analysis for the Costa Rican Central Valley

Abstract

A seismic hazard map for the Metropolitan Area of San Jose has been elaborated, based on local tectonic and seismic information. The area for the hazard computation covers an area of 20 x 15 km2 and includes the zone where the most population and socioeconomic activities are concentrated. The computation analysis are based on areas zones and faults, each one characterized by recurrence parameters, geometry, minimum and maximum magnitude and source depth. A recent local spectral attenuation model, which includes relations for shallow crustal sources and subduction zone earthquakes, has been applied in this study. The seismic hazard results are presented in terms of contour plots of estimated peak ground acceleration (PGA) for bedrock conditions for return period of 50, 100 and 500 years. In the Central Park of San Jose City the following PGA values were found: 0.29g for 50 years, 0.36g for 100 years, and 0.53g for 500 years.