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Seismic Hazard Assessment and Microzonation Group

The Seismic Hazard Assessment and Microzonation Group at the ISR brings together a multidisciplinary team of professionals in engineering seismology, geophysics, and geotechnical engineering to advance the scientific understanding of earthquake hazards. The group undertakes both probabilistic and deterministic seismic hazard assessments, ground motion simulations, and detailed site characterization studies, including ambient noise analysis, shear wave velocity profiling, and site response evaluations. Utilizing cutting-edge computational tools and region-specific seismotectonic models, the team develops seismic microzonation maps that serve as critical inputs for earthquake-resistant design, urban planning, and disaster risk reduction. The group also engages in field-based investigations and collaborates with academic, government, and industry stakeholders to promote resilient infrastructure development and seismic policy formulation. Through its research and applied outputs, the group plays a vital role in enhancing earthquake preparedness and risk mitigation strategies at both local and regional scales.

 

Core competence

 

  • Strong motion seismology
  • Deterministic and probabilistic seismic hazard assessment (DSHA and PSHA)
  • Seismic microzonation and site-specific studies
  • Ground motion modelling for scenario earthquakes
  • Site characterization and local site response studies
  • Engineering geophysics
  • Time domain electromagnetic and shallow resistivity investigations
  • GIS-based hazard mapping and risk assessment

 

Significant contributions

 

  • Development of seismic hazard maps for Gujarat and other seismically active regions.
  • Execution of site-specific study for the tallest statue in the world, 182 m long Statue of Unity.
  • Execution of site-specific studies for infrastructure projects like Dams, Barrage, Nuclear power plant, Pumped storage projects, areas of rapid growth like Special Investment Region, Special Economic Zone.
  • Execution of microzonation projects for cities like Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Gandhidham, Anjar, Bhuj
  • Execution of microzonation projects for eight cities in Northern India, Agra, Amritsar, Dhanbad, Kanpur, Lucknow, Meerut, Patna and Varanasi under Govt of India’s smart city mission project
  • Development of resonance frequency and site amplification maps in diverse geological terrains of Gujarat.
  • Generation of Vs30 (shear-wave velocity to 30m depth) map of Gujarat.
  • Contribution to national seismic hazard mapping and BIS guidelines related to seismic safety.

 

Current pursuits

 

  • Nationwide seismic microzonation and site-specific seismic projects
  • Site response studies using MASW, HVSR, borehole logging, and other field techniques.
  • Integration of remote sensing and GIS for hazard, risk, and vulnerability mapping.
  • Collaborative research with premier institutions and government agencies to refine hazard models and improve seismic safety codes.
 

Personnel

 

  • Dr. Sumer Chopra, Director, PI
  • Dr.Pallabee Choudhury, Scientist-D, Co-PI
  • Dr. B. Sairam, Scientist-C
  • Dr.Archana Das, Scientist-C
  • Dr.Vishwa Joshi, Scientist-B
  • Dr.CharuKamra, Scientist-B
  • Dr. Neha Kumari, Scientist-B
  • Mr. Harsh Limbachiya, Scientist-B
  • Mr. Vishal Chaudhary, Scientist-B
  • Mr. Pruthul Patel, Scientist-B
  • Dr.Dilip Kumar, Scientist-B
  • Dr.Peush Chaudhary, Project Scientist-C
  • Dr. Vinay Dwivedi, Project Scientist
  • Mr. Pawan Kumar, Project Scientist
  • Mr. SunayLakhmapurkar, Project Scientist
  • Mr. Chirag Raval, Project Scientist
  • Mr. A.S.S. Rajkumar, J.R.F
  • Mr. Sriram Varma, J.R.F

Research and Development