Statistical Study on Seismicity of the Indian Tectonic Plate Interactions

Seismic data over decades needs to be analyzed in order to comprehend tectonic dynamics and seismic hazards along tectonic plate boundaries. However, the study of the Indian tectonic plate, encompassing a homogeneous catalogue and analysis of earthquake data over its boundaries, is sparse in literature. Hence, this study statistically analyzes the seismicity data taken from 1960 to 2023 across the Indian tectonic plate. Gutenberg-Richter parameters are used to understand seismicity rate and magnitude-frequency distribution. Seismic energy, G-R parameters and depth analysis of earthquake data are carried out to statistically analyze five boundary plate intersections. The G-R parameters, seismic energy release and Mc of all zones are calculated and reported in the study. This study reveals substantial variations in G-R parameters, seismic energy and depth distributions through the boundaries indicating diverse tectonic settings. Also, the shallow seismic events dominate in most zones, with average depths between 14.29 km and 31.44 km, but intermediate and deep events are predominantly located in subduction and convergent zones such as Indian-Burma and Indian-Eurasian, reaching depths over 400 km. The variations in depth, along with seismic energy and G-R parameters, reveal the interaction of rifting, subduction and compressional forces that indicate each boundary. These observations could be useful for ascertaining boundary conditions in 3 D plate modeling.