GEOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE SEISMIC ACTIVITIES IN THE BUKIT TINGGI AREA KEMENTERIAN

Research areas:

• Nature

Year:

2011

Type of Publication:

Technical Report

Keywords:

seismic study

Authors:

Alexander S. W. Yan, Mohd Badzran Mat Taib Zakaria Mohamad

Abstract:

This report together with the accompanying map is the result of the geological study on the seismic activities in the Bukit Tinggi area that was carried out in 2008 and 2009. The data compilation and interpretation were carried out by a study team of geologists from the department, assisted by Prof. Emeritus H. D. Tjia, as the consultant. The seismic data and records were obtained from the Malaysian Meteorological Department and the National Earthquake Information Centre, United States Geological Survey (USGS). The main objectives of this study were to map major geological structures of the area and to investigate the likely cause(s) of the earthquake in the area. The findings and the information gathered from this study indicate that the Bukit Tinggi earthquakes are of non-tectonic origin and are attributed to adjustments of existing faults through strain release. In other words, the Bukit Tinggi tremors are most likely induced earthquake whose actual cause is not known. Several of the epicentres are located near or at known faults. The epicentres also suggest alignment with the NW Bukit Tinggi fault zone and also with the northerly oriented Karak fault zone.