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Open-File Report 2009-1263

Jointly supported by the U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Sizes of the Largest Possible Earthquakes in the Central and Eastern United States—Summary of a Workshop, September 8–9, 2008, Golden, Colorado

By Russell L. Wheeler

Abstract

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Most probabilistic seismic-hazard assessments require an estimate of Mmax, the magnitude (M) of the largest earthquake that is thought possible within a specified area. In seismically active areas such as some plate boundaries, large earthquakes occur frequently enough that Mmax might have been observed directly during the historical period. In less active regions like most of the Central and Eastern United States and adjacent Canada, large earthquakes are much less frequent and generally Mmax must be estimated indirectly. The indirect-estimation methods are many, their results vary widely, and opinions differ as to which methods are valid. This lack of consensus about Mmax estimation increases the uncertainty of hazard assessments for planned nuclear power reactors and increases design and construction costs.

Accordingly, the U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission held an open workshop on Mmax estimation in the Central and Eastern United States and adjacent Canada. The workshop was held on Monday and Tuesday, September 8 and 9, 2008, at the U.S. Geological Survey offices in Golden, Colorado. Thirty-five people attended. The workshop goals were to reach consensus on one or more of:

(1) the relative merits of the various methods of Mmax estimation, (2) which methods are invalid, (3) which methods are promising but not yet ready for use, and (4) what research is needed to reach consensus on the values and relative importance of the individual estimation methods.

First posted December 16, 2009

For additional information contact:

U.S. Geological Survey
National Earthquake Information Center
Box 25046, MS-966
Denver Federal Center
Denver, CO 80225-0046

http://geohazards.cr.usgs.gov/

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Suggested citation:

Wheeler, R.L., 2009, Sizes of the largest possible earthquakes in the Central and Eastern United States—Summary of a workshop, September 8–9, 2008, Golden, Colorado: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2009–1263, 308 p.



Contents

Introduction

Agenda

Minutes of Discussions

Opinion Polls and Summary

Acknowledgements

References Cited

Appendixes: Speakers’ Power Point Slides

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