Schrödinger: Journal of Physics Education
Schrödinger: Journal of Physics Education

Advancing Physics and Physics Education Through Research and Innovation

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Schrödinger: Journal of Physics Education

Advancing Physics and Physics Education Through Research and Innovation

Spatial and Temporal Variability of Earthquake b-Values: Insights into Seismic Heterogeneity Along the Southern Java Subduction Zone

Rendinis Rendinis
Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta
Indonesia
rendinis11@gmail.com
Elmira Mosadeghzadeh
University of Isfahan
Iran, Islamic Republic of
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  • Purpose of the study: This study aimed to characterize the spatial and temporal variation of b-value in the southern Java subduction zone and identify areas exhibiting distinctive seismicity patterns through an integrated analysis of earthquake magnitude distribution, seismic activity, and associated estimation uncertainty.

    Methodology: Earthquake data from the BMKG and NEIC-USGS catalogues covering 1973–2011 were processed through magnitude homogenization, declustering, and magnitude-completeness assessment. The Gutenberg–Richter relationship and maximum-likelihood estimation were applied using ZMAP V.06 implemented in MATLAB 7.04. Spatial analysis used 0.1° × 0.1° grids with 80 events per calculation, while temporal variation was evaluated using a moving-window approach.

    Novelty/Originality of this study: This study integrates regional, spatial, temporal, and uncertainty analyses of b-value to provide a differentiated characterization of seismicity across southern Java. By combining Gutenberg–Richter parameters, spatial mapping, moving-window analysis, and standard-deviation assessment, the study demonstrates that regional-average b-values can conceal localized seismic regimes and provides a more comprehensive framework for interpreting seismic heterogeneity.

     

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    [1]
    R. Rendinis and E. Mosadeghzadeh, “Spatial and Temporal Variability of Earthquake b-Values: Insights into Seismic Heterogeneity Along the Southern Java Subduction Zone”, Sch. Jo. Phs. Ed, vol. 7, no. 4, pp. 222–237, Aug. 2026, doi: 10.37251/sjpe.v7i4.3717.

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