Abstract
The b-value in the magnitude-frequency relationship logN(m) = $\alpha$ - bmwhere N(m) is the number of earthquakes exceeding magnitude m, is important seismicity parameter In hazard analysis. Estimation of the b-value for earthquake data observed on KSRS array network is done employing the maximum likelihood technique. Assuming the whole Korea Peninsula as a single seismic source area, the b-value is computed at 0.9. The estimation for KMA earthquake data is also similar to that. Since estimate is a function of minimum magnitude, we can inspect the completeness of earthquake catalog in the fitting process of b-value. KSRS and KMA data lists are probably incomplete for magnitudes less than 2.0 and 3.0, respectively. Examples from probabilistic seismic hazard assessment calculated for a range of b-value show that the small change of b-value has seriously effect on the prediction of ground motion.
