Estimation of ground motion during the 18th September 2011 Sikkim Earthquake

This article simulates the ground motion during the devastating 18th September 2011 Sikkim earthquake by analytical approaches. Surface level peak ground acceleration (PGA) values at several stations in the epicentral region have been estimated by the finite fault seismological model. A PGA contour map in the epicentral region is provided. It is found that very near to the epicentre, PGA would have reached more than 0.3g. The SPECFEM3D_GLOBE package which models the complete three-dimensional wave velocity structure and topography is used to simulate the displacement time histories on a global scale. A contour map of peak ground displacement (PGD) and permanent ground residual displacements (PGRD) in the near source region is provided. The estimated ground motions are validated with that obtained from damage values. © 2012 Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.