A prototype operational earthquake loss model for California based on UCERF3-ETAS – A first look at valuation
We present a prototype operational loss model based on UCERF3-ETAS, which is the third Uniform California Earthquake Rupture Forecast with an Epidemic Type Aftershock Sequence (ETAS) component. As such, UCERF3-ETAS represents the first earthquake forecast to relax fault segmentation assumptions and to include multi-fault ruptures, elastic-rebound, and spatiotemporal clustering, all of which seem important for generating realistic and useful aftershock statistics. UCERF3-ETAS is nevertheless an approximation of the system, however, so usefulness will vary and potential value needs to be ascertained in the context of each application. We examine this question with respect to statewide loss estimates, exemplifying how risk can be elevated by orders of magnitude due to triggered events following various scenario earthquakes. Two important considerations are the probability gains, relative to loss likelihoods in the absence of main shocks, and the rapid decay of gains with time. Significant uncertainties and model limitations remain, so we hope this paper will inspire similar analyses with respect to other risk metrics to help ascertain whether operationalization of UCERF3-ETAS would be worth the considerable resources required.
Citation Information
Publication Year | 2017 |
---|---|
Title | A prototype operational earthquake loss model for California based on UCERF3-ETAS – A first look at valuation |
DOI | 10.1193/011817EQS017M |
Authors | Edward H. Field, Keith Porter, Kevn Milner |
Publication Type | Article |
Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
Series Title | Earthquake Spectra |
Index ID | 70194636 |
Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
USGS Organization | Geologic Hazards Science Center |