AUTHOR=Gong Weicheng , Chen Huayuan , Gao Yajing , Li Qing , Sun Yunqiang 

TITLE=A test on methods for Mc estimation and spatial-temporal distribution of b-value in the eastern Tibetan Plateau

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Earth Science

VOLUME=12

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/earth-science/articles/10.3389/feart.2024.1335938

DOI=10.3389/feart.2024.1335938

ISSN=2296-6463

ABSTRACT=<p>Seismic <italic>b-</italic>value is one of the most important parameters for seismological research and seismic hazards assessment, while the accuracy of the <italic>b-</italic>value largely depended on the completeness of seismic catalog. This article compares eight methods for estimating the minimum magnitude of completeness (<italic>M</italic><sub><italic>c</italic></sub>). The results indicate that the modified maximum curvature method (MMAXC), exhibits greater stability and accuracy, closely approximating the standard <italic>M</italic><sub><italic>c</italic></sub> obtained from the synthetic seismic catalogs. We then calculate the <italic>b-</italic>value using the instrumental seismic catalog from 2000–2023 in the eastern Tibetan Plateau. The results indicate that the five major earthquakes occur in regions with lower <italic>b-</italic>value. In addition, the temporal evolution of <italic>b-</italic>value before and after major earthquakes exhibits a common trend of decreasing before earthquakes, and increasing after earthquakes, which may reflect the stress accumulation and release during earthquakes. Combining the results of maximum shear strain rate and <italic>b-</italic>value, we identify five regions characterized by low <italic>b-</italic>value and high shear strain rate, indicating a higher potential seismic hazard in the future.</p>