HAZUS-MH MR3 FAQs: Earthquake Model Hazard/Scenario Definition
Can I run a simulation of an earthquake with a moment magnitude of 9?
No. HAZUS limits the moment magnitude for any scenario to 8.5. This is due primarily to limitations in the HAZUS empirical attenuation functions, which are not suitable for earthquakes larger than 8.5.
However, if ground shaking maps corresponding to an event greater than 8.5 are available, the user can run the scenario with the user-supplied hazard option. The user will still need to enter a maximum magnitude of 8.5 but this will have almost no effect on the HAZUS results which will be based on the shaking maps.
For additional information, the HAZUS Earthquake Technical Manual, as well as other HAZUS Manuals and guidance materials are available for download from the HAZUS Resources.
Need Additional Help?
Email: HAZUSGenHelp@nibs.org for general questions about HAZUS
HAZUSQuakeHelp@pbsj.com for Earthquake Model questions
Last Modified: Tuesday, 13-Nov-2007 13:15:01 EST
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