Seismic hazard of Honduras

In this paper we have described the procedures used, input data applied and results achieved in our efforts to develop seismic hazard maps of Honduras . The probabilistic methodology of Cornell is employed. Numerical calculati ons were carried out by making use of the computer code SEISRISK III. To ex amine the impact of uncertainties in seismic and structural characteristics , the logic tree formalism has been used. We compiled a de-clustered earthq uake catalogue for the region comprising 1919 earthquakes occurring during the period from 1963 to 1997. Unified moment magnitudes were introduced. De finition of a seismotectonic model of the whole region under review, based on geologic, tectonic and seismic information, led to the definition of sev en seismogenetic zones for which seismic characteristics were determined. F our different attenuation models were considered. Results are expressed in a series of maps of expected PGA for 60% and 90% probabilities of nonexceed ence in a 50-year interval which corresponds to return periods of 100 and 4 75 years, respectively. The highest PGA values of about 0.4g (90% probabili ty of non-exceedence) are expected along the borders with Guatemala and El Salvador.