New paleoseismological findings on major earthquakes in CentralEurope: Possible consequences for the earthquake loss potential inGermany

摘要

We evaluate damage by hypothetical earthquakes in the area around Cologne andFrankfurt in the light of the paleoseismological studies by Camelbeeck and Meghraoui (1996) insouth Belgium. The scale of the calculated losses for different quake magnitudes shows the importanceof scientific research results with regard to the economic effects. In addition, the paper illustratesthe need for targeted research to provide more accurate specification of the actual danger andrisk situation in Germany. Similarly to the situation in eastern North America and Australia, therisk of earthquakes in Germany is a problem with a low probability but potentially high consequences.