Researchers at Bogazici University are applying Coreform Cubit to improve seismic modeling of earthquake-prone regions in Turkey. Their work focuses on understanding how topography, shallow subsurface heterogeneity, and basin geometry influence strong ground motion in areas such as the Marmara region and the Amik Basin in Hatay. In the abstract below, the team describes their ongoing efforts to develop and validate high-resolution 3D seismic velocity models, integrate geological and geophysical datasets, and use Cubit’s advanced geometry and meshing tools to enable more realistic wave-propagation simulations. Their research demonstrates how Coreform Cubit’s flexibility and precision can support cutting-edge earthquake hazard analysis in one of the world’s most tectonically active zones.
“In a previous investigation of earthquake hazard along the Marmara segment of the North Anatolian Fault, we built a high-resolution 3D seismic velocity model integrating regional topography, bathymetry, municipal micro zonation datasets (e.g. Istanbul Municipality), and tomographic images from seismic experiments (e.g. the OBS-based 3D Vp/Vs tomography beneath the Marmara Sea).
To assess the fidelity of this model, we simulated ground motions for the 26 September 2019 Silivri earthquake (Mw ~ 5.8) and compared synthetics against observed records using well-established goodness-of-fit (GoF) criteria. The GoF results indicated acceptable match levels, considering metrics such as peak amplitudes, spectral shapes, and duration, thereby supporting the credibility of our velocity model. Encouraged by this validation, we aim to explore how topography and simplified velocity structures (e.g. 1D models) influence seismic wave propagation and ground motion characteristics.
To achieve this, we require a meshing and model embedding tool that can represent both shallow heterogeneities and large-scale basin geometries with structural flexibility. Coreform Cubit offers advanced meshing capabilities (structured/unstructured, complex geometry handling, interface constraints) that suit our needs for building such velocity structures. In addition to the Marmara region, we focus on the Amik Basin (Hatay), which is an area severely damaged during the 2023 Kahramanmaras earthquakes and where our department maintains a network of permanent seismic stations monitoring basin response. Constructing accurate subsurface models of this region is essential for interpreting recorded data and quantifying amplification effects.
Using Coreform Cubit’s meshing tools, we plan to assimilate geological, geophysical, and sensor-derived constraints into forward wave-propagation simulations for both regions. By leveraging Coreform Cubit’s geometry and meshing flexibility, we aim to deepen our understanding of the roles that topography, shallow structure, and basin geometry play in shaping strong ground motion in tectonically active zones in Turkey.”