Project:

Reduction of Earthquake Losses in the Eastern Mediterranean Region

1. Seismotectonic framework studies using geological, geophysical, geodetic, seismological archaeological and historical techniques to improve understanding of the cause and nature of the seismicity.
2. Earthquake monitoring using modern seismograph networks and strong-motion instrument arrays to determine earthquake parameters and characteristics.
3. Assessment of earthquake hazard to estimate locations, recurrence intervals and effects of future earthquakes.
4. Assessment of risks to evaluate potential losses

1. Contribution to the Global Seismic Hazard map (see illustration) that shows earthquake hazards in the eastern Mediterranean.
2. With the financial support of the United States Agency for International Development and in conjunction with RELEMR, Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian National Authority produced a detailed seismic hazard map for the area surrounding the Dead Sea rift zone (see illustration). This project was intended to develop a map that would provide the necessary seismological data for the implementation of building codes and regulations that would mitigate earthquake-related losses.
3. RELEMR was involved in the November 1999 seismic calibration shot in the Dead Sea. This shot involved the sub surface detonation of 5,000 kg of explosives (see illustration) and produced a magnitude 4.0 seismic event that was detected over 4,000 km from the Dead Sea. The intent of this work was to better characterize the seismic velocities in the earth's crust within the Middle East Region.