Abstract

: The Fractal statistics has been a recent approach to tackle the most unpredictable earthquake distribution of any tectonically active region. Here the Bhuj earthquake of January 26, 2001 (M7.6) was considered with special reference to Fractal Geometry undertaken. The preliminary study has shown that Bhuj events are caused due to hidden fault near KMF (Kutch Mainland Fault). The initial study gives the geometrical aspect of fractal analysis of tectonics governing seismic activity in the region. The region has been divided into five blocks and the fractal dimension of each block has been calculated using the boxcounting technique. The results show significant low value of fractal dimension of Kutch rift block consisting of the KMF compared to the other surrounding blocks which are also having faults and rifts like Cambay rift, Narmada rift of higher fractal dimension. This indicates that cause of earthquakes in this block may be due to Asperities and Barriers. However, the predominance of aftershocks over foreshocks signifies that barriers may be the main cause. The other results, like low value of dimension of fault clustering show that the Kutch rift block is having faults, which are distributed in clustered manner near the source region. In this context, the seismicity of this block seems to be high. These findings are being corroborated with the strong motion and broadband data of the Bhuj earthquake and the aftershocks in order to justify the cause due to Barriers. As well as some of the physical fractal aspect results will be discussed.