Ground motion simulations in Quito (Ecuador) due to major earthquakes from the subduction zone

SUMMARY In 1906, an earthquake with a magnitude estimated between Mw 8.4 and 8.8 occurred in the subduction zone along coast of Ecuador Colombia. This caused extensive damage on but had rather small impact capital city Quito, situated 180 km away. At that time, Quito extended over area few thousand inhabitants, while today it stretches 40 has population 3 million, most built without paraseismic regulations. The aim this study is to obtain new insights large earthquakes from would have today. question crucial since we know prone site effects southern part amplifies seismic waves at low frequencies, around 0.3–0.4 Hz. April 2016, 7.8 interface Pedernales area. event was first be well recorded by 13 stations permanent accelerometric network (RENAC). study, take advantage data set (main shock aftershock recordings) (1) test empirical Green's function blind simulation approach where input stress drop taken global catalogue source time functions, (2) compare synthetic accelerograms ground motion values for actual recordings then (3) simulate larger 8.2 8.5 zone. For simulations, our allows good reproduction motions whole frequency bands properly takes into account effects. basin, frequencies than predicted given models. These values, although high, should supported or recent buildings if they are constructed respecting building code applies Quito. Therefore, type strong distant earthquake, standards appear suited imperative ensure considered design constructed, especially expanding city.