The properties, mechanisms, and hazards of interplate and intraplate earthquakes in India

Describe the research in simple terms in a way that could be publicised to a general audience. This will be made publicly available, and Applicants are responsible for ensuring that the content is suitable for publication. No more than, 4000 characters including spaces and returns.

Seismic hazards endanger both human lives and critical infrastructure, underscoring the need for a more profound understanding of earthquake dynamics and precise risk assessment, especially in regions prone to infrequent, long-recurrence events. Globally, earthquakes predominantly cluster along tectonic plate boundaries, where heightened seismic risk is acknowledged despite the lack of precise information on location and timing of earthquakes. Conversely, intraplate regions, situated away from these boundaries, also experience significant earthquakes, presenting a distinct challenge due to their rarity. Notably, these seismically active intraplate regions often coincide with large urban centres, amplifying potential risks.
Key features that distinguish interplate and intraplate earthquakes include (1) variations in the stress on the fault that drives slip; (2) earthquake magnitude-frequency distributions - the number of small earthquakes in a region relative to large earthquakes; and (3) source parameters that dictate the severity of an earthquake, including the stress drop, duration of the event, and precursory phases that occur immediately preceding earthquakes. Investigating these distinctions and the underlying reasons responsible for them, as well as documenting historical earthquake events, holds promise for both a more comprehensive understanding of earthquakes and a pathway to enhanced regional seismic hazard assessment.
Our project is dedicated to exploring the fundamental physics of earthquake rupture and documenting historical earthquakes within the Indian subcontinent including the public and state response to these events. These endeavours are inextricably linked and involve distinguishing the characteristic features between interplate and intraplate regions through a combination of laboratory experiments, borehole stress measurements, and seismic monitoring, and developing better records of historical seismicity and the response to it. By scrutinizing stress conditions, rock properties, earthquake magnitudes, source characteristics, and infrequent historical events, we aim to elevate the precision of risk analysis in key regions within India.
The knowledge gained from these activities will be brought together to craft an educational and outreach initiative aimed at both the general population (through schools) and local government through education on the scientific and historical nature of earthquake hazard and development of tools to improve decision making. The program will heighten public awareness regarding earthquake risks, promote straightforward life-saving measures, and develop better planning to prepare and deal with future seismic hazard.