Evaluation of crustal deformation and associated strong motions induced by the 2022 Paktika earthquake, Afghanistan

Abstract

The 2022 Paktika earthquake (moment magnitude: 6.2) occurred on June 22, 2022, near the border between the Khost and Paktika Provinces of Afghanistan, causing heavy damage and casualties in Paktika Province. This study evaluated the crustal deformation and associated strong motions induced by the Paktika earthquake. Crustal deformations were determined using the Differential Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (DInSAR) technique and three-dimensional finite element method (3D-FEM) and the results were compared. The permanent ground displacements obtained from the DInSAR and 3D-FEM analyses were similar in terms of amplitude and areal distribution. Strong motions were estimated using the 3D-FEM with and without considering regional topography. The estimations of maximum ground acceleration, velocity, and permanent ground deformations were compared among each other as well as with those inferred from failures of some simple structures in the Spera and Gayan districts. The inferred maximum ground acceleration and velocity from the failed adobe structures were more than 300 Gal and 50 cm/s, respectively, nearly consistent with the estimates obtained using empirical methods. The empirical method yielded a maximum ground acceleration of 347 Gal, whereas the maximum ground velocity was approximately 50 cm/s. In light of these findings, some surface expressions of crustal deformations and strong ground motions, such as failures of soil and rock slopes and rockfalls, have been presented. The rock slope failures in the epicentral area were consistent with those observed during various earthquakes in Afghanistan and worldwide.