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HAZUS-MH FAQs: Earthquake Model Hazard/Scenario Definition

Can I run a simulation of an earthquake with a moment magnitude of 9?

No. HAZUS limits the moment magnitude for any scenario to 8.5.  This is due primarily to limitations in the HAZUS empirical attenuation functions, which are not suitable for earthquakes larger than 8.5.

However, if ground shaking maps corresponding to an event greater than 8.5 are available, the user can run the scenario with the user-supplied hazard option.  The user will still need to enter a maximum magnitude of 8.5 but this will have almost no effect on the HAZUS results which will be based on the shaking maps.

For additional information, refer to the HAZUS Manuals and guidance materials available for download from HAZUS Resources.

Need Additional Help?
Email: HAZUSGenHelp@nibs.org for general questions about HAZUS 
HAZUSQuakeHelp@pbsj.com for Earthquake Model questions

Last Modified: Wednesday, 11-Aug-2010 14:36:20 EDT

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