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- READY2RESPOND | Global Earthquake Model Foundation
Projects READY2RESPOND Rapid Diagnostic in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh Versión en español English version Share Facebook LinkedIn Overview Anchor 6 Background Ready2Respond (R2R) is a rapid diagnostic guide, designed to improve national, sub-national and city resilience mechanisms and to protect development gains through investments in emergency preparedness and response systems. It is informed by the World Bank Group (WBG) City Resilience Program (CRP) and other WBG resilience platforms. In this project R2R is applied to the Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh states in the Himalayan region of India. The GEM Risk Team contributes to the project by providing: Literature review and stakeholder mapping around hazard and risk initiatives, risk data and models for both states Provision of seismic hazard/risk model outputs and related descriptive information for both states (to support diagnostic activities) Review of legal regulation of the built environment and associated initiatives Review of seismic preparedness of the critical infrastructure defined in the project Preparation and remote input into stakeholder workshops Duration: 2023 Objectives This project responds to the need to provide effective and comprehensive diagnosis of the Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh states’ emergency preparedness and response systems in the Himalayan region of India. This enables the World Bank and the government to tailor investments to strengthen institutional capacity and capability, ensure public safety, and limit economic disruption in the face of multiple, and often cascading, geological and hydrometeorological hazards. Collaborators GEM Foundation, JBA Consulting, Geo Climate Risk Solutions (GCRS) Funding partner: World Bank Group Location India Himalayas Anchor 1 Anchor 5 Anchor 4 Anchor3 Publications
- CAREC | Global Earthquake Model Foundation
Projects CAREC Developing a Disaster Risk Transfer Facility in the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Region Versión en español English version Share Facebook LinkedIn Overview Outreach Anchor 6 Background Willis Towers Watson, a GEM Advisor Sponsor is leading the consortium of organizations to implement the project, “Developing a Disaster Risk Transfer Facility in the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Region” supported by the Asian Development Bank. The GEM Risk Team is responsible for the exposure and seismic vulnerability components of the project, with the Hazard Team providing support in the preparation of risk profiles for countries in the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Region. Objectives The project has three main components: (i) development of disaster risk assessments and modeling in all CAREC countries; (ii) design of a regional pilot disaster risk transfer facility for at least three CAREC countries; and (iii) capacity building and awareness raising activities to sensitize key public and private stakeholders in all CAREC countries about the benefits of disaster risk reduction, risk retention and risk transfer solutions. Willis Towers Watson, a GEM Advisor Sponsor is leading the consortium of organizations that will implement the project. The Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation, or CAREC Program is a partnership of 11 countries (Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, People's Republic of China, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan), supported by 6 multilateral institutions, working together to promote development through cooperation, leading to accelerated growth and poverty reduction. Location Central Asia Anchor 1 Anchor 5 Anchor 4 ADB project overview and data sheet Read more GEM has started a new project with WTW supported by the Asian Development Bank Read more About the CAREC program Read more Anchor3 Publications
- BANGLADESH | Global Earthquake Model Foundation
Projects BANGLADESH Earthquake Vulnerability and Systemic Risk Assessment in Bangladesh Versión en español English version Share Facebook LinkedIn Overview Outcomes Training Outreach Photos Publications Anchor 6 Background This project follows a specific support request made by the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR) to the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (UNRCO) for a sub-national earthquake hazard and risk assessment in Bangladesh. The GEM Foundation has the role of technical expert lead of the project which will include the following activities: Needs and Gaps Assessment Technical Panel Formation and Initial Consultations Seismic Hazard Mapping Exposure Mapping Seismic Vulnerability Assessment Seismic Risk Mapping and Interpretation Stakeholder Consultation and Validation Preliminary Model Dissemination and Training Workshop Funding and technical partner: UNDRR Duration: 2023 - 2024 Objectives The main objective of this project is to develop a detailed, open, sub-national earthquake risk model and evaluate seismic risk for Bangladesh at the zila and upazila levels. The complete risk model will comprise a probabilistic seismic hazard model, a building exposure model, and a seismic fragility and vulnerability model for the building stock of Bangladesh. Additionally, it includes critical scenarios for key cities, identified based on the results of the probabilistic risk assessment and in consultation with local stakeholders and experts, in a panel led by the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR), and including representatives from the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, Geological Survey of Bangladesh, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, and University of Dhaka.` Collaborators In collaboration with the GEM Foundation, the Technical Panel steering this seismic risk assessment initiative is a collaborative assembly of key stakeholders and experts. Led by the Additional Secretary of Bangladesh's Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR), it comprises representatives from vital entities, including the Department Of Disaster Management (DDM), the Fire Service and Civil Defence of Bangladesh, the Ministry of Housing & Public Works (MoHPW), and the Statistics and Informatics Division (SID) of the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS). In addition, the panel includes the participation of seasoned national experts specializing in seismic hazard and risk assessment from institutions such as the University of Dhaka (DU), Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), and Jahangirnagar University (JU). Further enriching the panel's knowledge base are contributions from the Geological Survey of Bangladesh, the Centre for Urban Studies (CUS), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Bangladesh.) Location Bangladesh Earthquake Hazard and Risk Assessment Results This section summarises the various assessments conducted to understand the potential impact of earthquakes in Bangladesh. These assessments cover a range of factors, including the likelihood and severity of ground shaking, liquefaction potential, exposure of people and buildings, vulnerability of infrastructure, and the overall seismic risk posed to the country. The following list details the outputs generated from each assessment. Bangladesh Profiles | Past Earthquakes **ALL RESULTS ARE PRELIMINARY AND UNDER REVIEW** a. Population and Building Exposure Exposure models play a critical role in seismic risk assessment by quantifying the potential exposure of buildings and infrastructure to earthquake hazards. These models are structured databases that catalogue the characteristics of buildings within a specific geographic area, including their location, construction material, age, occupancy type, and structural design. The depth and accuracy of this data directly influence the effectiveness of the seismic risk evaluations, as they allow for a detailed understanding of how different structures are likely to perform during an earthquake. Download Files d. Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Assessment The seismic hazard modelling and mapping section describes the approach taken to assess the seismic hazard in Bangladesh with the goal of creating a comprehensive seismic hazard model for Bangladesh that can be used for risk assessment and mitigation. The project started with a probabilistic seismic hazard model for the Indian subcontinent, which was updated and implemented for the OpenQuake engine. The model includes seismogenic source models, ground motion models, and considers various tectonic regions. This section also mentions the review of the seismic source model for northeast India and the improvements made to the model. Download Files f. Seismic Risk Assessment The project estimated seismic risk metrics utilising the OpenQuake-engine's stochastic event-based risk assessment calculator. A probabilistic seismic hazard analysis model was employed to generate earthquake rupture forecasts, forming a stochastic event set over a 100,000-year span. Economic and human losses were computed for each event, producing event loss tables and year loss tables. Risk metrics included exceedance probability curves and average annualized losses. Fatality and injury estimates relied on vulnerability models informed by global earthquake data, with a focus on South Asian building characteristics. Results were tabulated nationally and regionally by the project. The assessment also considers the exposure and risk of healthcare facilities, educational facilities, and the national road network to seismic hazards. Download Files b. Infrastructure Exposure In addition to residential, industrial, and commercial structures that were previously covered by GEM’s exposure models at the zila level (which have been updated to the upazila level during this project), we have also developed exposure models for the healthcare and educational facilities at the country, including all hospitals and clinics, and all schools, colleges, and universities. Map | Profile c. Earthquake Scenarios The project also constructed the rupture geometries for these events, selected a range of ground motion models, and assessed the potential impact—both in terms of damage and losses—that each event could inflict on the country if it were to occur today. The full scenario set consists of twelve events: seven historical events from 1664-1918, chosen out of many in this period, supplemented by five hypothetical events. Download Files e. Liquefaction Hazard Assessment The section "Liquefaction susceptibility and hazard assessment" discusses the inclusion of regional liquefaction occurrence models in the project, which predict ground failure using existing mapped information and above-ground inferences of below-ground conditions. These models were used for the national scale liquefaction hazard assessment in the second phase of the project identifying the factors that contribute to liquefaction, the methods used for assessment, and the potential damage and losses that can result from liquefaction. Download Files Anchor 1 Anchor 5 a. Website for OpenQuake online training The OpenQuake online training was designed for different types of audiences with diverse backgrounds and expertise. Through this platform, participants interact with GEM scientific and technical teams to learn the main concepts of earthquake risk assessment, along with the basic features of the engine. [English ] Improving global capacity for seismic hazard and risk This part of the program was designed to improve the understanding and awareness of earthquake hazard and risk, and to help bridge the gap between the information produced in detailed hazard and risk assessment studies and its communication to a wide variety of stakeholders (which range from local experts with the remit to assess seismic risk to decision-makers responsible for the implementation of risk reduction measures). b. Onsite Training Workshop One-day workshop designed to improve the understanding and awareness of earthquake hazard and risk and to help bridge the gap between the information produced in the project and its communication to a wide variety of stakeholders. The session allowed participants to explore and prepare the required input files for earthquake scenarios in the OpenQuake engine. OQ Engine Video Tutorials | English | Example Material Anchor 4 f. Technical Panel Session (Scenarios and Risk) #4 This presentation details data collection and processing methods for seismic hazards, exposure, and vulnerability. It presents preliminary results on potential earthquake impacts like building collapse and economic loss using an 1885 event as an example. The presentation also mentions probabilistic risk assessment and division-level risk maps, alongside details about 12 "scenario ruptures" based on historical and potential earthquake events. View Presentation 1. Scenario earthquakes for Bangladesh hazard and risk analysis by Richard Styron This presentation explores the concept of scenario earthquakes and their role in analysing earthquake hazards and risks in Bangladesh. Richard Styron will discuss the specific scenarios considered for Bangladesh, providing insights for understanding potential earthquake impacts. Watch 2. PSHA Model for Indian sub-continent: tailored version of Nath and Thingbaijam (2012) by Kendra Johnson Kendra Johnson will present a tailored version of the PSHA (Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Assessment) model developed by Nath and Thingbaijam (2012) for the Indian subcontinent. This presentation will explain how this model has been adapted to provide a more accurate assessment of earthquake hazards specific to Bangladesh. Watch 3. Earthquake-induced liquefaction hazard assessment: scenario and probabilistic analysis by Lana Todorovic This presentation by Lana Todorovic focuses on earthquake-induced liquefaction, a major concern in Bangladesh due to its river delta geography. Lana will discuss both scenario-based and probabilistic approaches to assessing liquefaction hazard, providing valuable information for mitigating this specific earthquake risk. Watch a. GEM presentation to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR), Bangladesh This is an introductory presentation on Bangladesh's earthquake risk assessment project that outlines past efforts, emphasises the need for a nationwide evaluation, and introduces the GEM Foundation's methodology. It highlights completed division-level risk maps and ongoing project activities like data collection, vulnerability assessment, and stakeholder engagement. Additionally, five other presentations below will address different aspects of the project in Bangladesh. View Presentation Videos - Ruptures, PSHA and Liquefaction The Global Earthquake Model (GEM) Foundation presents insights into the Bangladesh earthquake risk assessment project. These presentations will explore scenario earthquakes, a customized seismic hazard model, and the assessment of earthquake-induced liquefaction hazards. c. Technical Panel Session (PSHA) #2 This presentation is about the tailored version of the PSHA (Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Assessment) model for the Indian sub-continent, which is based on the original model developed by Nath and Thingbaijam in 2012. The presentation discusses the main areas identified for improvement in the model, the changes that were introduced, and the impact of these changes on the hazard results. View Presentation b. Technical Panel Session #1 This presentation discusses the methodology used to collect and process data related to earthquake risk components such as hazard, exposure, and vulnerability. It also mentions the project activities and the formation of a technical panel for consultation and validation. View Presentation e. Technical Panel Session #3 This presentation focuses on exposure and physical and social vulnerability, as components of seismic risk. It discusses the details of exposure models, seismic vulnerability analysis, and social vulnerability. The presentation also mentions the use of the Global Earthquake Model (GEM) and the INFORM Index in assessing and understanding the seismic risk in Bangladesh. View Presentation g. Technical Panel Session (Liquefaction) #4 This presentation focuses on factors such as soil liquefaction, susceptibility to ground failure, population density, urbanisation, and the country's river delta geography. It discusses various methodologies and models used to assess liquefaction hazard and suggests the use of geospatial methodologies for identifying areas with a higher likelihood of occurrence. View Presentation Speech by Domenico Scalpelli (WFP Representative) on the presentation of the Earthquake Risk Assessment Results The speech was delivered on March 6, 2024 at Six Season Hotel, Hall Room, Bunka, Bangladesh (10:00 am to 12:30 pm). "While Bangladesh has been fortunate to avoid a significant earthquake in the past century, historical data suggests earthquakes are a threat. This analysis, considering hazard, exposure, and vulnerability, provides a foundation for evidence-based decision-making to guide preventive measures, enhance preparedness, and fortify our ability to respond." Read more | UNDRR Bangladesh article d. Technical Panel Session (Scenario Ruptures) #2 This presentation is about the hazard analysis of earthquakes in Bangladesh, including an overview of the fault systems, historical ruptures, and potential ruptures. It also mentions the ground motion models used for the analysis. View Presentation h. Final UNDRR-GEM Bangladesh - MoDMR Presentation This presentation summarises the findings of a sub-national earthquake hazard and risk assessment for Bangladesh, conducted by the Global Earthquake Model (GEM) Foundation in collaboration with MoDMR, UNDRR and UNRCO. It details the development of a comprehensive earthquake risk model for Bangladesh at the district and sub-district levels. The presentation covers the methodologies employed, including assessments of seismic hazard, exposure, and vulnerability. Stakeholder engagement and the final earthquake risk model for Bangladesh are also presented. View Presentation Communicating and raising earthquake risk awareness The activities in this component focused on raising the awareness of the public on earthquake hazard and risk by training a diverse group of disaster risk reduction (DRR) professionals together with personnel in charge of communicating risk to the public, and by conducting community-based workshops in selected areas of the pilot cities by those who were trained by the project. Anchor3 BUSINESS NEWS March 6 presentation Humanitarian Organisations 1/2 BUSINESS NEWS Images from online meetings: September to December 2023 1/1 BUSINESS NEWS March 4 presentation 1/1 BUSINESS NEWS March 3 meeting with MoDRM 1/2 BUSINESS NEWS March 5 OpenQuake Training 1/4 Publications Interim Substantive Reports The documents below are interim substantive reports on the project "Earthquake Vulnerability and Systemic Risk Assessment in Bangladesh". The main objective of the project is to develop a detailed earthquake risk model for Bangladesh at the zila and upazila levels. They describe the development of an open-source probabilistic seismic risk model for Bangladesh and provide key insights to decision-makers and stakeholders in the disaster risk mitigation community. c. Final Report This report details the findings of a sub-national earthquake hazard and risk assessment for Bangladesh, undertaken by the Global Earthquake Model (GEM) Foundation. The project fulfills a specific request from the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR) to the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the UN Resident Coordinator's Office (UNRCO). The project aimed to develop a comprehensive earthquake risk model for Bangladesh at the district and subdistrict levels. This report details the activities undertaken, including needs assessment, technical consultations, hazard and exposure mapping, vulnerability assessment, risk analysis, stakeholder engagement, and final model dissemination. This assessment provides Bangladesh with crucial data to guide earthquake risk reduction efforts nationwide. Download the Report a. First Interim Substantive Report This report highlights the need for a seismic risk model in the country and discusses the gaps and needs assessment. The report also explains the technical approach and methodology for developing the risk model, including seismic hazard modeling, liquefaction susceptibility and hazard assessment, exposure modeling, and seismic fragility and vulnerability modeling. The seismic risk assessment process is described, along with the formation of a technical panel and stakeholder engagement. Download the Report b. Second Interim Substantive Report This report provides updates on various aspects of the project, including the development of earthquake scenarios, liquefaction susceptibility and hazard assessment, exposure modeling, and social vulnerability modeling. The report mentions that the project has engaged a technical panel comprising key experts and stakeholders, and their feedback and suggestions are being incorporated into the project. The report also includes information on the distribution of hospitals, clinics, schools, and colleges in Bangladesh. Download the Report
- MYANMAR RISK MODELLING | Global Earthquake Model Foundation
Projects MYANMAR RISK MODELLING Development of an Earthquake Risk Model for Myanmar. GEM contribution to ADB TA 9307-MYA: Strengthening Climate and Disaster Resilience of Myanmar Communities Versión en español English version Share Facebook LinkedIn Overview Anchor 6 Background The Government of Myanmar has identified in its disaster risk management (DRM) and climate change adaptation (CCA) related policy frameworks the increasing suffering of the population from disasters, and the need for support in strengthening resilience to extreme weather events. Accordingly, since 2015, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has supported the Government of Myanmar develop a National Framework for Community Disaster Resilience, which identifies potential opportunities for strengthening resilience of communities through investments in key sectors and themes of development, such as, agriculture, rural development, and financial inclusion, among others. The proposed technical assistance (TA) project responds to the request from the Government of Myanmar to support its implementation of the National Framework for Community Disaster Resilience. As part of this project, the ADB contracted the GEM Foundation to provide updated seismic hazard, exposure, vulnerability, and seismic risk information for Myanmar, with risk information presented at the third administrative level. Objective The main objective of this project was to develop, in collaboration with experts from the Myanmar Earthquake Committee, updated exposure, vulnerability, and seismic risk information for Myanmar, with risk information presented at the third administrative level. Collaborators GEM Foundation, Myanmar Earthquake Committee (MEC) Funding partner: Asian Development Bank (ADB) Location Myanmar Anchor 1 Anchor 5 Anchor 4 Anchor3 Publications
- AZERBAIJAN DRR | Global Earthquake Model Foundation
Projects AZERBAIJAN DRR Risk modeling and scenario analysis for Azerbaijan - Seismic risk analysis Versión en español English version Share Facebook LinkedIn Overview Anchor 6 Background One of the analyses to be conducted under the World Bank Groups' Country Climate and Development Reports (CCDRs), is to look at the fiscal and economic impacts of disasters in Azerbaijan, including the size of the macro-fiscal risk posed by earthquakes, floods, and droughts, and identify potential opportunities to increase financial resilience. For the risk modeling and scenario analysis for Azerbaijan, the GEM Risk Team further expands the Azerbaijan model in GEM's Global Seismic Risk Model, by projecting the exposure and risk to 2050 by taking into account the evolving demographics and socio-economic conditions in Azerbaijan. Duration: 2022 Objectives The World Bank is preparing the Country Climate and Development Report for Azerbaijan. The CCDR aims to inform policy dialogue and engagement with the Government of Azerbaijan. This provides an opportunity to carry out several analytical pieces, including in the area of Disaster Risk Management, bringing together existing knowledge on the economic and social impacts of disasters and climate change, and delivering new analytical insights to support policy recommendations. Collaborators GEM Foundation Funding partner: World Bank Group Location Azerbaijan Anchor 1 Anchor 5 Anchor 4 Anchor3 Publications
- ALBANIA HAZARD MODELLING | Global Earthquake Model Foundation
Projects ALBANIA HAZARD MODELLING Joint development of the Albanian seismic hazard model Versión en español English version Share Facebook LinkedIn Overview Outreach Photos Publications Anchor 6 Background GEM and IGEO-Albania are currently implementing a 1-year project funded by the European Investment Fund and supported by the Electrical Corporation of Albania to update Albania’s probabilistic seismic hazard model through a series of technical workshops. The GEM Hazard Team is providing support on the use of its open source tools for hazard model building and assessment. Duration: 2023 Objectives The main objectives of this project are to update the national seismic hazard model for Albania, and provide the outputs that can be used in the National Annex of Eurocode 8, for the seismic design of buildings in Albania. Collaborators GEM Foundation, Institute of Geosciences (IGEO) Funding Partner: European Investment Fund, Electrical Corporation of Albania Location Albania Anchor 1 Anchor 5 Anchor 4 Strengthening Albania's Earthquake Preparedness: A Collaborative Effort This project, funded by the Central European Initiative and supported by the Albanian Electricity Corporation, has two objectives. It aims to modernize Albania's seismic hazard map, a crucial step in updating the nation's building code to meet Eurocode 8 standards. This marks the first significant revision to Albania's building regulations since 1989. A more updated view of seismic hazard will help in promoting more cost-effective earthquake-resistant construction practices. Read more Albania’s Institute of Geosciences (IGEO) and GEM collaborate to update the national seismic hazard model GEM and IGEO-Albania implemented a 1-year project funded by the Central European Initiative (CEI - https://www.cei.int/) and the Albanian Electricity Corporation (KESH - https://www.kesh.al/en/) to update Albania's probabilistic seismic hazard model through a series of technical workshops. Read more Anchor3 BUSINESS NEWS NSHMA 2024 Presentation, Tirana, Albania - July 16, 2024 Photo credits: IGEO 1/3 BUSINESS NEWS GEM - IGEO Albania Workshop, Pavia 2023 1/4 Publications
- BEYOND BUTTON PUSHING | Global Earthquake Model Foundation
Projects BEYOND BUTTON PUSHING Earthquake Risk Assessment and Sensitivity Analysis for California Versión en español English version Share Facebook LinkedIn Overview Report Anchor 6 Background The goal of the project was to show how important the quantification of uncertainty is in estimating and understanding California’s earthquake risk using OpenQuake - GEM Foundation’s state-of-the-art open source earthquake hazard and risk assessment software. With OpenQuake’s plug-and-play capabilities, expert users can individually select or substitute every model component, data, and assumption. This feature will help model users and decision makers to: 1) ‘ask the right questions’ when evaluating model results; 2) better interpret risk assessment results and gain trust in model results; and 3) make better risk management decisions. Duration: 2015-2017 Objectives The main objectives of this project are to: Establish representative sets of exposure: ‣ for the San Francisco Bay Area; ‣ for the Southern California region affected by the Shakeout Scenario Choose specific results (risk metrics) to use as a basis for comparison. Produce ‘baseline’ results from OpenQuake, using a ‘control’ set of assumptions. Undertake a thorough sensitivity analysis for the risk estimates for California based on the UCERF3 model by running OpenQuake multiple times, each time varying one assumption or parameter, such as: ‣ earthquake probabilities (controlled by assumptions about fault geometries, slip rates, maximum magnitudes); ‣ ground motion model selection; ‣ vulnerability functions; ‣ site conditions; and ‣ statistical treatment of uncertainty and correlation Beyond the aims stated at the outset of the project as listed above, several additional objectives were achieved during the course of the project, including the following: Implement within OpenQuake the latest seismic hazard model for California based on the recently published Uniform California Earthquake Rupture Forecast version 3 (UCERF3), produced by the U.S. Geological Survey and the Working Group on California Earthquake Probabilities. Calculate the average annual loss estimates for all 8,057 census tracts in California, using the seismic hazard model based on UCERF3. Establish the range (distribution) of scientifically viable results for the chosen risk metrics by accounting for the various uncertainties in the hazard model. Identify the components of the hazard model contributing most to the overall uncertainty in the risk metrics for the different exposure portfolios. Implement a model simplification (‘logic-tree trimming’) software tool to reduce the number of computer runs and greatly speed up the time required for running the risk model for California. Collaborators GEM Foundation Funding partner: Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission (SSC) Location California, United States Anchor 1 Anchor 5 Anchor 4 Anchor3 Publications A Report Prepared by the Global Earthquake Model Foundation (GEM) authored by Anirudh Rao, Graeme Weatherill, Vitor Silva, and John Schneider for the CALIFORNIA SEISMIC SAFETY COMMISSION, USA. [Download ]
- SIGMA3 | Global Earthquake Model Foundation
Projects SIGMA3 SeismIc hazard and Ground Motion Assessment Versión en español English version Share Facebook LinkedIn Overview Work Packages Training Dissemination Photos Publications Anchor 6 Overview SIGMA3 is a research and development (R&D) program on SeIsmic hazard and Ground Motion Assessment. It is the 3rd part of a larger R&D initiative initiated in 2011 to support innovation in the field of probabilistic hazard assessment (PSHA). SIGMA3 is fully funded by the industry at 100%. The program grounds its roots in methodological developments, as well as in the identified shortcomings of the two preceding editions, labelled SIGMA and SIGMA2. The previous two programs have led to insightful datasets and models to accompany the inception of probabilistic site-specific PSHA studies in low-to-moderate seismicity areas, such as France, for instance. However, nowadays, additional progress is still needed to reduce epistemic uncertainties and improve confidence in probabilistic seismic hazard studies. To this end, SIGMA3 gathers a group of researchers and engineers actively involved in the seismic hazard community and recognized for their expertise. More details about the project are available here: https://sigma-programs.com/ Objectives The SIGMA program is a Research and Development project about seismic hazard and ground motion. It has the objective to improve data and develop methods necessary to best estimate SHA by producing Hazard levels more adapted to the site. Improve available practices for safety demonstration to get consensus with the largest international community for R&D and industrial applications Improve confidence and accountability in seismic hazard assessments by quantifying and propagating uncertainties on Seismic Source and Ground Motion Characterization Strengthen the link between seismologists and engineers, and share feedback among consortium members Collaborators Steering Committee The Steering Committee handles strategic and technical decision-making in the SIGMA3 program and provides recommendations on the program’s orientation, informed by the Scientific Committee’s expertise. Composition: Emmanuel Viallet (EDF France), Fabrice Hollender (CEA France), Vojtech Spanihel (CEZ Group Czech Republic), Masato Nakajima (CRIEPI Japan), Albert Kottke (PG&E USA), Fabienne Chawla (SwissNuclear Switzerland), Ludovic Fulop (VTT Finland) Scientific Committee The members of the SIGMA3 Scientific Committee are independent experts in their field, providing recommendations, insights, and reviews on activities performed through the program. Composition: Philippe RENAULT (Chairperson), Norman ABRAHAMSON, Laurent BOLLINGER, Emmanuel CHALJUB, Maria José CRESPO, John DOUGLAS, Zeynep GULERCE, Sadanori HIGASHI, Pierre LABBE, Ian MAIN, Adrian RODRIGUEZ-MAREK, Alain PECKER, Gabriel TORO, Kris VANNESTE, Jérôme VERGNE Location Global (coordinating agency located in France) 1. Probabilistic Fault Displacement Hazard Analysis. This activity builds upon work carried out in 2024 within the framework of a collaboration with OGS, Trieste. Sigma 3 Technical Program Supported by ´Electricité de France (EDF), GEM’s activities cover three work packages: For more details on Sigma3's work packages (WP), click here . 3. Development of a Simulation Platform. The objective of this activity is to generate a set of Python tools for evaluating fundamental components of a hazard input model - namely, source, ground motion, and site effects - used in Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis (PSHA) computations. 2. Development and methodologies for probabilistic seismic hazard assessment. In this WP, we will further develop capabilities to compute the conditional aftershock hazard and propagate epistemic uncertainties efficiently. Anchor 1 Anchor 5 Conferences and Events For the latest events, training, seminars/webinars and conferences, please visit: https://sigma-programs.com/dissemination-sigma-3/conferences-and-events/ Anchor 4 SIGMA3 - SeismIc hazard and Ground Motion Assessment This section contains outreach activities conducted by the SIGMA3 program. For more details, click here . 1. News - https://sigma-programs.com/dissemination-sigma-3/news/ 2. Conferences and Events - https://sigma-programs.com/dissemination-sigma-3/conferences-and-events/ Anchor3 BUSINESS NEWS 1st General Assembly - June 2025, Helsinki (Finland) 1/1 BUSINESS NEWS Sigma3 Kick-Off - 11 June 2024, Aix-en-Provence (France) 1/1 Publications SIGMA3 - Publications and Reports This section contains project publications and reports as they become available. The list of currently available materials can be accessed here: https://sigma-programs.com/sigma-3/dissemination-sigma-3/publications-reports/
- BACK TO NORMAL | Global Earthquake Model Foundation
Projects BACK TO NORMAL Earthquake Recovery Modelling Versión en español English version Share Facebook LinkedIn Overview Anchor 6 Background To address some of the key factors that influence recovery following a potentially devastating earthquake, the Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission (SSC) engaged the GEM (Global Earthquake Model) Foundation and the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, a) to develop a methodology and an open-source and transparent software tool to estimate recovery states and recovery times following an earthquake; and b) to investigate the effect of external socio-economic factors on these recovery times. Objectives This project achieved the following main objectives: 1. Development of a user-friendly, non-commercial and transparent software tool, herein referred as the Integrated Risk Modelling Toolkit (IRMT), to make map-based comparisons showing the effect of different resilient actions on the recovery times. 2. Development of an analytic methodology, referred as the Reconstruction Recovery Model, to estimate post-earthquake recovery 3. Integration of the Reconstruction Recovery Model for practical use into GEM’s OpenQuake modelling platform. 4. Demonstration of reasonable results by using the methodologies to model past earthquakes. In this context, the 2014 M6 South Napa Earthquake was used as a case study. Collaborators Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Location California, United States Anchor 1 Anchor 5 Anchor 4 Anchor3 Publications
- METIS | Global Earthquake Model Foundation
Projects METIS Methods and Tools Innovation for Seismic Risk Assessment Versión en español English version Share Facebook LinkedIn Overview Outcomes Training Outreach Photos Publications Anchor 6 Background GEM is set to start a 3-year project called METIS or Methods and Tools Innovation for Seismic Risk Assessment funded by the European Commission. The project is part of the Safety margins determination for design basis-exceeding external hazards program. Electricite De France (EDF), a GEM technical collaborator, is coordinating the project which will be implemented in collaboration with 14 other organizations. GEM will contribute to the task on seismic hazard assessment and on PSA Tools and Methodology. In the hazard task, GEM will implement into the OQ Engine methods such as vector-valued probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA), cluster-based PSHA as well as new methods to propagate epistemic uncertainties. Research will also be carried out in the context of processing earthquake catalogues to remove aftershocks and foreshocks and on testing PSHA models. GEM’s contribution to the PSA Tools and Methodology will concentrate on testing risk results. Duration: 2020 - 2025 More details: https://metis-h2020.eu/ Objectives The objective of METIS is to translate research into practice through rigorous and efficient methodologies and tools to assess seismic safety of NPP (nuclear power plants). It also aims to innovate current practice by combining simulation with experimental data. The research will develop methods to improve the ability to define safety limits for extremely rare events, which go beyond current design analyses (i.e. design extension for earthquakes). The refined seismic PSA (probabilistic safety assessment) is expected to provide meaningful support in defining regulations for safe design of NPP, as well as for assessing plant safety in real-time in case of temporary unavailability of relevant safety equipment or structures. Collaborators Edf Energy R&D UK Centre Limited - United Kingdom Limited Liability Company Energorisk - Ukraine Helmholtz Zentrum Potsdam Deutschesgeoforschungszentrum Gfz - Germany Geodynamique Et Structure - France Institut De Radioprotection Et De Surete Nucleaire - France Istituto Universitario Di Studi Superiori Di Pavia - Italy Lgi Consulting - France National Technical University of Athens – NTUA - Greece State Enterprise State Scientific and Technical Center For Nuclear And Radiation Safety - Ukraine Technische Universitat Kaiserslautern - Germany Univerza V Ljubljani - Slovenia Geo-Research Institute - Japan North Carolina State University - United States The Regents of The University Of California - United States Location Europe Horizon 2020 METIS Project fact sheet Anchor 1 Anchor 5 Anchor 4 New Horizon 2020 project launched to develop an advanced approach for Seismic Risk Assessment of Nuclear Power Plants EdF and GEM METIS project collaboration from 2020 to 2024. Anchor3 Publications


















