The Dependence on the Moho Depth of the b-Value of the Gutenberg–Richter Law

Abstract

We investigate the dependence of the Gutenberg–Richter b parameter on the crustal thickness quantified by the Moho depth, for nine different regional catalogs. We find that, for all the catalogs considered in our study, the b‐value is larger in areas presenting a thicker crust. This result appears in apparent contradiction with previous findings of a b decreasing with the focal depth. However, both the results are consistent with acoustic emission experiments, indicating a b‐value inversely proportion to the applied differential stress. Our results can be indeed interpreted as the signature of a larger stress concentration in areas presenting a thinner crust. This is compatible with the scenario where postseismic deformation plays a central role in stress concentration and in aftershock triggering.