Bayesian estimation of strong earthquakes in the Inner Messiniakos fault zone, southern Greece, based on seismological and geological data

Statistical estimates of earthquake magnitudes are unreliable when based onvery few historical data. Additional sources of information, such asgeological data, are then necessary to update estimates of seismicityparameters. The Bayesian probability theory is a tool to combine priorinformation of seismicity obtained from geological data with historicalobservations. This theory is tested in the case of the Inner Messiniakosfault zone, southern Greece, for the estimation of the probability ofoccurrence of strong earthquakes. Prior estimates of seismicity aredeveloped from slip rate measurements, obtained from offsets of geologicalformations, on the basis of both onshore and offshore neotectonic data.The analysis emphasizes the importance of the input seismicity parameters,particularly the significance of the upper bound magnitude in the estimationof the seismic potential of active faults.