| Summary: In this study, an homogeneous earthquake catalogue containing historical and instrumental periods was used to evaluate the seismic hazard parameters for different seismic regions in and around western Anatolia. Taking into consideration the old seismic zoning studies for western Anatolia, a detailed zoning study was prepared for western Anatolia. b value from maximum likelihood estimation and fractal dimension values were calculated for each region. Lower b values were obtained in the Aegean subduction zone with higher stress condition, higher b values were calculated in graben systems due to high regional heretogeneity. Mean return periods, the most probable maximum magnitude in the time period of t-years and the probability for an earthquake occurrence for an earthquake magnitude≥M during a time span of t-years was calculated with Kijko-Sellevoll method for each region. Seismic hazard parameters obtained by the methods of Kijko-Sellevol and Gumbel III were identified in direct proportion to each other. The smallest mean return period values were determined relation with Aegean subduction zone. The probability of an earthquake of magnitude equal or greater than 6.5 for 50 years period was calculated bigger than 90% in Buyuk Menderes graben and around the Aegean arc. According to obtained seismic hazard parameters, regions of 10, 11 and 12 covering Aegean arc and subduction zone were the most dangerous regions. b and fractal dimension values with time was found to be significant changes before large earthquakes and these parameters obtain important information for earthquake prediction studies |
