Earthquake data review and seismic hazard analysis for the Hong Kong region

Abstract This paper presents the results of a review of earthquake data and a study of seismic hazard for Hong Kong. A region of about 660 km × 660 km around Hong Kong was selected for the study. In this study, the earthquake information available for the region was reviewed, and where possible, earthquake magnitudes were calculated. Since there is no strong motion record for any earthquake within the region, Joyner and Boore's attenuation law1 has been used for the analysis. The results show that the seismic hazard in Hong Kong is relatively small, but because of the uncertainty inherent in the assumed attenuation relationship, accurate prediction of peak ground acceleration is not possible.