Correlation of seismic intensity with Fourier acceleration spectra

We present a method for estimating the seismic intensity in terms of MMI or MSK scale using Fourier amplitude spectra of ground acceleration. The method implies that severity of earthquake ground motion is determined by spectral amplitudes in relatively narrow frequency band: so-called "representative frequencies", at decreasing frequencies (from 7-8 Hz for small intensities to 0.7-1.0 Hz for MMI(MSK)=VIII-IX) with increasing intensity level. It is examined through estimation of probable intensity at a site using recordings of recent earthquakes in several seismic regions and prediction of intensity distribution patterns for some earthquakes. Seismic hazard maps, in terms of intensity levels based upon the proposed approach, should describe regional features of seismic waves excitation and propagation, as well as local ground conditions. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.