Document: NUREG-0800
Document ID: 28cd319e-e324-4b0a-871d-93d727641b7c
Document Type: srp
Title: Maximum Earthquake Potential.
Source: NUREG-0800
Source URL: https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML0523/ML052340591.pdf
Revision Date: 2023-06
Chapter: 2
Section ID: 2.5.2.4
CFR Part: 
CFR Title: 

Content:
In meeting the requirements of Reference 1, this subsection is accepted when the vibratory ground motion due to the maximum credible earthquake associated with each geologic structure or the maximum historic earthquake associated with each tectonic province has been assessed and when the earthquake that would produce the maximum vibratory ground motion at the site has been determined. The maximum credible 2.5.2-4 Rev. 2 - August 1989 earthquake is the largest earthquake that can reasonably be expected to occur on a geologic structure in the current tectonic regime. Geologic or seismo- logical evidence may warrant a maximum earthquake larger than the maximum historic earthquake. Earthquakes associated with each geologic structure or tectonic province must be identified. Where an earthquake is associated with geologic structure, the maximum credible earthquake that could occur on that structure should be evaluated, taking into account significant factors, for example, the type of the faulting, fault length, fault slip rate, rupture length, rupture area, moment, and earthquake history (e.g., Refs. 19 through 22). In order to determine the maximum credible earthquake that could occur on those faults that are shown or assumed to be capable, the staff accepts con- servative values based on historic experience in the region and specific considerations of the earthquake history and geologic history of movement on the faults. Where the earthquakes are associated with a tectonic province, the largest historic earthquake within the province should be identified. Isoseismal maps should also be presented for the most significant earth- quakes. The ground motion at the site should be evaluated assuming appropri- ate seismic energy transmission effects and assuming that the maximum earth- quake associated with each geologic structure or with each tectonic province occurs at the point of closest approach of the structure or province to the site. (Further description is provided in