Application of Geographic Information System (GIS) for the Study of Tectonic Plates in Pakistan

Master's Thesis from the year 2010 in the subject Geography / Earth Science - Meteorology, Aeronomy, Climatology, grade: Excellent, course: Masters, language: English, abstract: Traditional approaches provide only limited opportunities for general analysis of tectonic structure. However, Geographic Information System provides unique opportunities for solving a wide spectrum of problems, related to analyzing earthquake phenomena. GIS can also provide an effective platform for data assortment, organization, and research with multidirectional data sets. In addition, GIS can also provide an effective solution for integrating different layers of information. In this research an interactive, diversified seismological, geological, and geographical digital database has been developed for Pakistan. Using this GIS database, a better understanding of the tectonics and crustal structure of the region is possible. With the help of this database we have complied new maps of seismological parameters, depth to moho, Pn velocity and Pg velocity. The developed GIS database would help us in natural hazard evaluation, seismic risk assessment, and understanding of earthquake occurrences