Probabilistic tsunami hazard assessment for the makran subduction zone using logic tree and stochastic rupture sources

The Makran Subduction Zone (MSZ) in the northwestern Indian Ocean can generate large tsunamigenic thrust earthquakes affecting the coastal regions of Pakistan, Iran, Oman, and western India. In this paper, a probabilistic tsunami hazard assessment is conducted for the MSZ using stochastic tsunami simulations of moment magnitude (Mw) of 7.7-9.1 earthquake scenarios. This study investigates uncertainties associated with earthquake occurrence rate, single-segment (eastern and western MSZ) or two-segment (full MSZ) rupture scenarios, source geometry, and slip heterogeneity. The total number of simulated source models is 15,000. This study presents two major categories of results: stochastic source models and ranges of 475, 975, and 2475-year tsunami heights. For instance, tsunami heights generated by Mw 8.5-8.7 stochastic sources of western MSZ vary between 1 m and 10 m with a mean of similar to 4.5 m in the affected areas. The tsunami heights are sensitive to the source models' characteristics, such as location of the large slip areas, bathymetry of the nearshore area, and the location of bays. Considering different occurrence rates results in significant variability in the estimated 475, 975, and 2475-year tsunami heights. For example, 2475-year tsunami height in Chabahar is in the range of 3-7.4 m at 10 m water depth.