Indicator natural hazards

Topic Core indicator DPSIR Main topic
Natural hazards Pressures

Local information about seismic hazard

The intensity and duration of earthquake vibrations in a location depend to a great extent on the characteristics of the local subsoil. To determine the local seismic hazard, the cantons produce maps of the subsoil classes and spectral microzoning, on their own initiative and with the technical support of the Confederation. These documents are used by construction experts, for example, to facilitate the design of more earthquake-proof buildings and to test the earthquake-resistance of existing buildings.

Assessment of the state
medium medium
Assessment of the trend
unsatisfactory unsatisfactory
Cantons with maps of the subsoil classes and/or spectral microzoning studies 2022: 18 Cantons with maps of the subsoil classes and/or spectral microzoning studies 2021: 18 Cantons with maps of the subsoil classes and/or spectral microzoning studies 2020: 18 Cantons with maps of the subsoil classes and/or spectral microzoning studies 2019: 18 Cantons with maps of the subsoil classes and/or spectral microzoning studies 2018: 18 Cantons with maps of the subsoil classes and/or spectral microzoning studies 2017: 17 Cantons with maps of the subsoil classes and/or spectral microzoning studies 2016: 17 Cantons with maps of the subsoil classes and/or spectral microzoning studies 2015: 17 Cantons with maps of the subsoil classes and/or spectral microzoning studies 2014: 17 Cantons with maps of the subsoil classes and/or spectral microzoning studies 2012: 17 Cantons with maps of the subsoil classes and/or spectral microzoning studies 2011: 16 Cantons with maps of the subsoil classes and/or spectral microzoning studies 2010: 15 Cantons with maps of the subsoil classes and/or spectral microzoning studies 2009: 13 Cantons with maps of the subsoil classes and/or spectral microzoning studies 2008: 11 Cantons with maps of the subsoil classes and/or spectral microzoning studies 2004: 2

Data for the graph: Excel
Source: FOEN
Comment

The aim is to ensure that all cantons have access to local information about seismic hazard. To date, 70% of the cantons have produced maps of seismic subsoil classes and seismic microzoning studies. In the cantons AI, BE, SG, SZ, TG, ZG, UR and ZH such bases do not exist. For this reason, the status is assessed as medium. A positive development can be observed from 2004 to 2012. From 2012 onwards, the development is unsatisfactory, as only new canton has become active since then. Furthermore, there is a need to update outdated existing maps of subsoil classes in 13 cantons.

International comparison

Compared to other European countries, the production of maps with seismic subsoil classes is very advanced in Switzerland.

Method

The data are collected by means of a survey of cantonal projects. The FOEN centralises the data using a web application

Basis for assessment of the trend
Targeted trend Initial value Final value Variation in % Observed trend Assessment
Growth 2004 2022 800.00% Growth positive*

*A positive development can be observed between 2004 and 2012. Since then, however, only one new canton has become active. For this reason, the development is rated as unsatisfactory.  

 
Last updated on: 20.07.2023

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