Remote Sensing and GIS Based Approach for Earthquake Probability Map: A Case Study of the Northern Sagaing Fault Area, Myanmar

In this study, remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) techniques were used as decision-making tools to target potential regional-scale preliminary earthquake hazard map in the northern part of the Sagaing Fault, Myanmar. We determined the relationships between measured historical earthquake events and geological features, particularly lineaments (faults, folds, fractures and geological boundaries) to identify potential probability earthquake zone. Satellite image data and historical earthquake data were used to calculate lineament density, epicenter point density, magnitude intensity and focal depth contour. A probabilistic seismic hazard evaluation method using weighted overlay and kriging geostatistic GIS analysis were performed. The weighted overlay GIS analysis classified the study area into different levels of favorability based on combination of the percent influence of four layers, 30%, 20%, 20% and 30% influence were assigned to the epicenter point, magnitude, depth and lineament density maps. The final results were combined and extrapolated using a combination of weighted overlay and kriging geostatistic to develop a spatially seismic probability map. At least two major areas (Taungthonlon and Kyaukpasat – Wuntho - Kawlin) were identified, and both are not far from the Sagiang Fault.