Objectives: The aim of this project as a master project is to determine the site classification based on nationally and internationally recommended seismic provisions, critical site related parameters and seismic hazard at a macro scale based on micro-zoning principles by geophysical and geological surveys in the Bursa provincial borders.

Scope: This project covers the earth science studies implemented for the priority areas in the Bursa provincial borders and seismic hazard assessments using the earthquake scenarios for the fault zones threatening the region. In this content, seismic hazard assessments will have been realized for the entire Bursa province based on the results obtained from internationally accepted geophysical measurement techniques and standards. The resulting data and maps produced in this project will be a reliable database to inquire the results of any other projects and measurements in the Bursa provincial borders.

Project Outcomes: Following outcomes will be obtained at macro scale based on micro-zoning principles:

• A Vs30 map covering the entire province,
• Bedrock depth maps of the important basins (Bursa Central Basin, İnegöl, Yenişehir),
• A site dominant period and H/V amplification map,
• Seismic hazard maps using Vs30 and bedrock depth maps for various earthquake scenarios. The fault zones threatening Bursa Province will be used in the earthquake scenarios. In this context, Bursa-Çalı Fault having limited seismic activity will be observed using existing seismic network strengthened with three additional stations in the Bursa region.
• This study will be a basis for the 1/100.000 scaled provincial landscaping plan.
• Natural Background for Earthquake Master Plan that will be prepared in the near future.
• All the maps and results in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Database with its know-how training will be delivered to Bursa Metropolitan Municipality to provide easy access for both the current and the future officials.

Expected Benefits: The results may be used by all public and private organizations related to the seismic risk assessments, disaster mitigation and its managements. All the maps produced in this project will be a useful basis for the 1/100.000 scaled provincial landscaping plan. In particular, the estimation of shear wave velocity profiles, site classification based on Vs30, site fundamental period and H/V amplification will provide the information of which areas will be affected more by future possible earthquakes. They are the key information to contribute developing the reliable long-term earthquake-hazard mitigation strategies for sedimentary structures such as seismic risk assessment, emergency response-preparedness and land-use planning by taking into account the proposed and existing constructions (industrial and power plants, dams and residential areas, so on). This project with all these benefits will contribute to the preparation of Earthquake Master Plan for Bursa Province.

Funding Agency: Bursa Metropolitan Municipality

Duration: 01.01.2011 – 31.12.2013