Northquake 2019

More than 40 years have passed since the last major earthquake (magnitude 6-7) struck in North Iceland, which is the longest period of quiescence in almost200 years. First-handaccounts and a variety of data of the earthquakes near Kópasker village in 1976, in Skagafjörður in 1963 and near Dalvík in 1934 provide information about what we can expect in the coming decades. These past major earthquakes as well as the persistent seismic activity off the north coast of Iceland, in an area that is usually referred to as the Tjörnes Fracture Zone, show that the earthquake hazard in North Iceland is high and similar to the hazard in the South Iceland Seismic Zone. Significant infrastructure build-up has taken place in North Iceland during the past several years. This includes the PCC silicon metal plant just north of Húsavík, a tunnel through Húsavík Cape, and the Theistareykir geothermal power plant. In light of these new infrastructure projects and to increase preparedness in North Iceland it is important to regularly review recent research results on earthquake activity in the region, the associated hazards and risks for the population and infrastructure, as well as to discuss possible ways to reduce risks and review response plans in case of a major event. A workshop is therefore planned in May2019on earthquake activity in North Iceland. The goal of the workshop is to review the status of knowledge and report new results in earthquake-related research in the area and to discuss possible use of these results for risk reduction. Workshop topics include earthquake geology, tectonics and geodesy, mapping of faults and fractures, current earthquake activity, strong-motion analysis, near-surface effects, earthquake monitoring, possible early warning, earthquake hazard and risk, design of structures, and town planning. In addition, plans and actions to decrease earthquake risk will be discussed. Response to hypothetical earthquake scenarios in the region will be exercised prior to the conference. A review of the results and existing response plans will be presented at the workshop.

Registration and further information at www.hac.is