Modeling of 2011 IndoNepal Earthquake and Scenario Earthquakes in the Kumaon Region and Comparative Attenuation Study Using PGA Distribution with the Garhwal Region

Kumaon and Garhwal regions are the chief terrains of Uttarakhand Himalaya. The present article simulates the strong ground motion of the 2011 IndoNepal earthquake in the Kumaon region using modified semi empirical technique (MSET). Acceleration records at ten stations in the near field region have been simulated which validates well with actual records and therefore confirms the reliability of MSET. In addition, MSET has been used to simulate strong motion records of future scenario earthquakes (M_w 7.0 and M_w 8.0) in Kumaon region by assuming the earthquake location same as that of 2011 IndoNepal earthquake. Isoacceleration maps are also provided, which reveals more than 400 gal value of PGA at epicentral distances less than 25 kms for an earthquake of magnitude 8.0. The comparison of isoacceleration map of future scenario earthquake (M_w 7.0) in Kumaon region has been done with isoacceleration map of 1991 Uttarkashi earthquake (M_w 6.8) in Garhwal region which suggests distinct attenuation characteristics of these two regions.