Seismic effect assessment of the southern slope of Greater Caucasus (Azerbaijan) based on the earthquake scenarios: ground parameters and acceleration models

A recent study reveals that the southern slope of Greater Caucasus, including Azerbaijan's UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Historic Centre of Sheki with the Khan’s Palace, experiences significant seismic activity. The research demonstrates that softer soils, such as sand-clayey mixtures, amplify seismic waves due to resonance processes caused by impedance differences between layers, leading to increased ground displacements and peak ground accelerations. This amplification is particularly notable in areas with soft-cemented soils, sands-tones, limestone, and sandy marlstone of varying thicknesses. The study also highlights the necessity for continued seismic hazard assessment in light of recent earthquake swarms, including those in Balakan, Zagatala, Sheki, and other regions, which have shown a rising trend in seismic activity. To achieve these findings, researchers analyzed average response spectra, peak ground acceleration models, and MSK-64 intensity distributions based on various earthquake scenarios.

Babayev, G. R., Agayeva, S. T., Ismail-zade, T. T., Muradi, I. B., & Aliyev, Ya. N. (2019). Seismic effect assessment of the southern slope of Greater Caucasus (Azerbaijan) based on the earthquake scenarios: ground parameters and acceleration models. Geofizicheskiy Zhurnal, 41(3), 170–188. https://doi.org/10.24028/gzh.0203-3100.v41i3.2019.172471