A new innovative probabilistic seismic hazard analysis method has been introduced by Ba, Zhao, Zhang, and collaborators, combining physics-based simulations with traditional Ground Motion Prediction Equations (GMPEs) for improved earthquake risk assessment.
The hybrid approach integrates the robustness of GMPEs with the physical realism of physics-based earthquake simulations, creating a comprehensive hazard assessment model that offers enhanced accuracy and reliability.
Physics-based simulations model seismic wave propagation through geological media, capturing earthquake rupture dynamics and interactions with Earth's crustal structures to provide detailed ground motion predictions for diverse scenarios.
The methodology integrates deterministic outputs from physics-based simulations with the probabilistic nature of GMPEs, combining sensitivity to seismic dynamics and local geology with statistically grounded estimates of seismic shaking.
Rigorously representing uncertainty, the hybrid model utilizes Monte Carlo simulations and advanced statistical frameworks to propagate uncertainties from seismic source parameters, wave propagation variabilities, and GMPE inputs.
The research addresses scalability challenges by optimizing numerical algorithms and leveraging high-performance computing infrastructures, enabling efficient simulation of thousands of earthquake scenarios for regional hazard assessments.
The integrated seismic hazard analysis method offers practical implications for urban planners, engineers, and policymakers, aiding in designing earthquake-resilient infrastructure, refining building codes, insurance models, and emergency preparedness programs.
The methodology contributes to fundamental seismology by providing critical insights into rupture propagation, wave path effects, and site responses, enhancing our understanding of earthquake processes.
With its versatility across diverse tectonic settings, the hybrid model demonstrates potential as a global seismic hazard assessment tool, offering tailored evaluations for regions with varied seismic profiles.
The interdisciplinary collaboration in this research enhances predictive capacity by integrating data-driven and physics-based perspectives, marking a significant advancement in probabilistic seismic hazard analysis.
Validation procedures affirm the model's accuracy and superior performance over conventional approaches, boosting stakeholders' confidence in its adoption for practical applications, potentially enabling real-time dynamic hazard assessments.