<p>An intrinsic assumption in using geostatistics is that one can approximate a distribution by a polynomial surface. In practice, maybe you can do this in a very simple geological situation, such as an isotropic shockwave arising from sedimentary compaction in horizontal sediments. When it comes to major seismic events at tectonic plate edges I think the seismic energy distribution might be too complex. For example, the seismic energy is attenuated at different rates on either side of a subduction zone, and tends to be channeled along the ocean floor according to local bathymetry and structure (especially along mid-ocean ridges). Also, the shock wave distribution will be different according to whether the source is shallow or deep. Trying to account for such features in a geostatistical model will be a nightmare of complexity - good luck!</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-01-03T03:48:52.067Z
2017-01-03T03:48:52.067Z
Gordon Stanger
<p>In geostatistics, we can assess and analyze regionalized variables. Tectonic stresses releases in seismically active regions by occurring earthquakes. We can calculate and estimate the seismic energy released by an earthquake. Now, the question is this: Is it possible to assess 2-D or 3-D spatial variation of the seismic energy released in a region, using geostatistics rules?</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-01-01T01:52:10.543Z
Technically you could, but the issue will be, will it produce meaningful results & will the results be accepted by the scientific community. Some time ago I contemplated the possibility of analyzing geomechanical properties such as RQD & rock strength using geostatistics & I read papers that dealt with this, but the idea was treated with much skepticism by geotechnical scientists & engineers.
Fred
<geophysics><seismology><earthquakes><tectonics><data-analysis>
Is "seismic energy released" a regionalized variable and can be analyzed using geostatistics?
Seyed Naser Hashemi
# Is "seismic energy released" a regionalized variable and can be analyzed using geostatistics?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2016-12-31)

In geostatistics, we can assess and analyze regionalized variables. Tectonic stresses releases in seismically active regions by occurring earthquakes. We can calculate and estimate the seismic energy released by an earthquake. Now, the question is this: Is it possible to assess 2-D or 3-D spatial variation of the seismic energy released in a region, using geostatistics rules?

**Tags:** geophysics, seismology, earthquakes, tectonics, data-analysis

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: Technically you could, but the issue will be, will it produce meaningful results & will the results be accepted by the scientific community. Some time ago I contemplated the possibility of analyzing geomechanical properties such as RQD & rock strength using geostatistics & I read papers that dealt with this, but the idea was treated with much skepticism by geotechnical scientists & engineers.  

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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_2 on 2017-01-03. Score: 2

An intrinsic assumption in using geostatistics is that one can approximate a distribution by a polynomial surface. In practice, maybe you can do this in a very simple geological situation, such as an isotropic shockwave arising from sedimentary compaction in horizontal sediments. When it comes to major seismic events at tectonic plate edges I think the seismic energy distribution might be too complex. For example, the seismic energy is attenuated at different rates on either side of a subduction zone, and tends to be channeled along the ocean floor according to local bathymetry and structure (especially along mid-ocean ridges). Also, the shock wave distribution will be different according to whether the source is shallow or deep. Trying to account for such features in a geostatistical model will be a nightmare of complexity - good luck!


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