Earthquake monitoring and early warning systems in Azerbaijan
Oktay Babazade1, Hocine Bensaad2
1Institute of Geology, Academy of Sciences, 29A Gussein Javid Sreet, 370143 Baku, Azerbaijan. Tel/Fax: +994-12 39 50 04
2UNDMTP Office, 4 Tarlan Alijarbekov Str., 370005 Baku, Azerbaijan. Tel/Fax: +994-12 98 89 13,
E-mail: undmtp@hocine.baku.az
Abstract:
The Azerbaijan Republic is one of the seismically active areas in the Caucasus and includes a part of the southern and middle Caspian Sea. The region has experienced many large and destructive earthquakes. The development of oilfields in Azerbaijan and in the Caspian Basin and the design of the main pipeline route through the Caspian Sea and through the territories of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey are of great concern. The oilfields are in an area of increased seismicity. This stresses the need for seismic hazard assessment for both oilfields and city areas to ensure environmental safety.
Normative maps based on new methods of static and dynamic forecasting (time, place, force) of earthquakes can be used to implement preventive measures and reduce damage.
Maps of long-term dynamic prediction of strong earthquakes indicate three areas through which the oil-pipe will be laid and where earthquakes can be expected.
An early warning system with automatic telemetry has to be set up, along with local and regional monitoring networks, to predict short- and medium-term seismic hazards. It will be connected to international earthquake monitoring and forecasting networks.
