KUTCH SEISMICITY AND CRUSTAL STRUCTURE

The devastating 2001 Bhuj (western India) earthquake has triggered widespread discussion in the scientific community about the nature and the causes behind such earthquakes in the Kutch region, and their similarities or differences with earthquakes elsewhere (particularly the 1811-1812 New Madrid earthquake sequence in mid-continental North America). Many unanswered questions remain and these require not only renewed thinking and understanding, but also fresh efforts for additional data gathering. The problem is more acute in the case of the less-studied Kutch region than for the well-researched New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ). Before we can make an objective comparison between these two regions, we have to first update our knowledge of Kutch. Here, we summarize the available information about the destructive 2001 Bhuj and other major earthquakes in Kutch and their tectonic setting. We will also examine the current understanding of the seismicity of the NMSZ. We shall also assess the basic data gaps that need to be filled in order to understanding the Kutch earthquakes, and thereby will be in a better position to find commonalties among such intraplate earthquakes.