The acceleration time histories of the horizontal components at bedrock of possible strong
earthquakes in southern China are simulated by a stochastic finite-fault method using an equivalent
point-source model and the attenuation parameters calibrated from the digital seismic data of 44
small/medium earthquakes recorded in the region. The simulations are performed for the moment
magnitudes of 5.5, 6.5, 7.5, and 8.5 at the epicentral distances ranging from 1.0 to 1000 km, from
which the velocities and displacement time histories, and the subsequent PGA, PGV, and PGD can
be established/measured.
The simulated peak ground accelerations are then compared with those determined from the
Huo’s empirical ground motion attenuations that were deduced from intensity records. It is found
that the simulated results are generally consistent with the Huo’s empirical equations. This
encouraging verification provides confidence in applying our proposed ground motion relations in
the probabilistic and deterministic seismic-hazard studies of southern China
