GIS-based semi-variogram model selection for the preparation of Modified Mercalli Intensity map of Dinajpur Sadar, Bangladesh

Year 2026, Volume: 11 Issue: 1, 136 - 148, 01.10.2025

Md Mahabub Rahman , Maharullah Sarder

https://doi.org/10.26833/ijeg.1656666

Abstract

This investigation examines the semi-variogram models to create a more accurate seismic intensity map in terms of the modified Mercalli intensity (MMI) map of Dinajpur District, Bangladesh. Since Dinajpur District has been listed as a seismically disaster-prone region in the World, an intensity map is crucial and necessary for construction. A large number of significant earthquakes have occurred in this region. Using Geographic Information Technology, MMI map for the study region was created using these earthquakes. To make the MMI map, at first the shear wave velocity (Vs) was calculated using soil investigation reports, comprising 148 boreholes with standard penetration test values (SPT-N). The widely used empirical equations were used to convert the Vs to site amplification factor (AF) and to calculate the Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA). Then, using PGA and AF, the surface acceleration (SA) for the research region was determined. The SA has finally been converted into the MMI map. The results demonstrate that the least and maximum PGA are 0.07 g and 0.094 g, while the AF ranges from 2.13 to 3.15 between the minimum and maximum. Moreover, the SA varies between 0.17g and 0.28g. The MMI map revels that 8.43% of areas having intensity VII and 91.57% having intensity VIII will be affected for Dinajpur Sadar Upazila. The prepared map may be beneficial to design seismically stable structures in the research region.

Keywords

Semi-variogram , Modified Mercalli Intensity , Dinajpur Sadar , Surface Acceleration , Peak Ground Acceleration

Ethical Statement

No conflict of interest

Supporting Institution

Not applicable

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