Seismic risk map in the Sarmiento department (San Juan- Argentina)

Abstract

The department of Sarmiento, located in San Juan, Argentina, is situated in an area of ​​high seismic danger with a history of destructive earthquakes. Given this situation, the main objective of this work is to contribute to knowledge about seismic risk. From the perspective of Risk Geography, a pioneer in this field, it is considered essential to comprehensively evaluate the components of danger and vulnerability. The evaluation of seismic risk is situated within the paradigm of Automated Geography, using robust methods such as Multicriteria Evaluation and Geographic Information Systems. These tools allow the generation of highly reliable decisional models, which are validated through Sensitivity Analysis with an explicitly spatial approach. Through mapping design, the highest risk areas are identified, which are the areas that require the most intervention case of a dangerous event and where greater damage to the exposed population is anticipated. Seismic risk models are very valuable tools for territorial organization, since the information they provide is crucial for those responsible for territorial planning and development policies, allowing them to make safer decisions about risk mitigation