Germany does not have a high seismicity, but it does still encounter earthquakes. In a thorough article about Germany's seismic history, it is stated, "...some of the highest seismic activity in Europe north of
the Alps is found in Germany." Part of this is due to the weaker state of the Earth's crust found along the Rhine River. The northern center area of Germany has the most seismic activity.
There is a relative risk of vulnerability to damage from a quake in those active parts of the country. However, preventative measures (to an extent) have been put in place. As the same article also relates, "The building stock of German communities contains to some extent modern buildings constructed in accordance with requirements of the national seismic code, but pre-code buildings are predominant. Due to the generally good workmanship the latter are only to a smaller portion vulnerable with respect to the existing hazard level." This means many of the buildings have been engineered to withstand damage. Scientists have mapped out extensively which areas are most at risk, along with varying levels of vulnearability. There is great detail in where would suffer however much damage, and the costs to fix them. This mean preparedness and distrribution of information to the people so they can prepare themselves should anything happen. There are warning systems in place to help warn as best possible.
Here is the link to the article.
http://www.nat-hazards-earth-syst-sci.net/6/573/2006/nhess-6-573-2006.pdf
There is a relative risk of vulnerability to damage from a quake in those active parts of the country. However, preventative measures (to an extent) have been put in place. As the same article also relates, "The building stock of German communities contains to some extent modern buildings constructed in accordance with requirements of the national seismic code, but pre-code buildings are predominant. Due to the generally good workmanship the latter are only to a smaller portion vulnerable with respect to the existing hazard level." This means many of the buildings have been engineered to withstand damage. Scientists have mapped out extensively which areas are most at risk, along with varying levels of vulnearability. There is great detail in where would suffer however much damage, and the costs to fix them. This mean preparedness and distrribution of information to the people so they can prepare themselves should anything happen. There are warning systems in place to help warn as best possible.
Here is the link to the article.
http://www.nat-hazards-earth-syst-sci.net/6/573/2006/nhess-6-573-2006.pdf
You are right, their buildings are well built and their seismicity is not a problem. I couldnt find any quakes ML>6.1..
ReplyDelete[http://www.gfz-potsdam.de/en/section/seismic-hazard-and-stress-field/topics/where-in-germany-does-the-earth-quake/seismicity-in-germany-in-global-context/]