Strong-Motion Networks, Digital Signal Processing, and Database for El Salvador Earthquakes: 1966-2017

A new strong-motion database for El Salvador covering 50 yrs of network monitoring activity (1966-2017) has been prepared under the Universidad Catolica de El Salvador (UNICAES) strong-motion program, employing open-source codes in Fortran language and compilers. We applied modem digital signal processing techniques to correct both analog and digital recordings of the upper-crustal, subduction, and outer-rise earthquakes in the region. The resulting database comprises a total of 2418 triaxial accelerograms related to 340 earthquakes. The peak ground acceleration varies from 1 to 1100 cm/s2 , with a moment magnitude range from 3.0 to 8.1 and epicentral distances from 0.15 to 674 km. This database will be used to develop specific ground-motion prediction equations for the next seismic hazard maps of El Salvador.