Simulation of the 1934 Nepal–Bihar earthquake in Kathmandu

Nepal has experienced several earthquakes. However, there are only a few time history records of these events. In the last 100 years, the country has witnessed two major earthquakes in 1934 and 2015: the 1934 Nepal–Bihar earthquake and the 2015 Gorkha earthquake. This study aims to simulate the 1934 Nepal–Bihar earthquake in Kathmandu using a deterministic approach. The maximum peak ground acceleration (PGA), response spectrum, Fourier spectrum, predominant period, and mean time period of the simulated earthquake were provided. The validity of the simulation approach was verified by comparing the ground motion parameters of the simulated 2015 Gorkha earthquake with those of the recorded time history. The maximum PGA of the simulated 1934 Nepal–Bihar earthquake in Kathmandu was 0.273 g, which is comparable to the value obtained from the intensity–PGA relationship. The significant duration of earthquakes in Nepal was also compared to that of the other subduction zone earthquakes. It was found that the earthquakes in Nepal lasted longer.