Resolutions as adopted in Reykjavik 1996

Parametric European Earthquake Catalogues

Considering that

1. European Parametric Earthquake Catalogues (EPEC) have to be developed rapidly,

2. Most scientists agree that parametric earthquake catalogues can be compiled according to varied perspectives and procedures from a databank of primary data.

3. The main problem is the improvement of primary data and procedures for determining earthquake parameters,

4. The ongoing initiatives will provide a substantial progress in this direction and a methodology for its follow-up,

The ESC recommends

The continuation and possible expansion of ongoing initiatives to the whole European area, with the aim of producing regularly updated EPEC releases under the co-ordination of sub-commission A.

Preservation of all seismological material

Recognising

the importance of historical seismograms, seismological bulletins and catalogues for reliable evaluation of seismicity and seismic hazard in various parts of the world,

the ESC recommends

that all institutes and other organizations which possess seismograms, bulletins, catalogues and other relevant material from the last century and the first half of this century handle these with utmost care and archive them in a way which provides easy access. Means should be found, as a matter of urgency to identify the location and curatorship of existing seismological archives, and that this information should be made available to all interested parties.

Array Seismology

Considering

the importance of array techniques for global seismology and

recognising

the efforts to upgrade existing regional seismic networks to perform as seismic arrays within the Japanese GARNET project

the ESC recommends

to support all efforts for similar initiatives in Europe.

EU Support: Earthquake Prediction

Recognising

the efforts made by the European Union (EU) to improve the scientific research cooperation in the field of earthquake prediction through the European area and noting the new development in this direction

the ESC recommends

the strengthening of the EU support of research programs to foster wider geographic cooperation in order to assure a faster development in earthquake prediction.

Data for Noise-Precursor Discrimination

Recognising

the importance of comparative analysis of data accumulated in the different or similar geological conditions for noise-precursor discrimination and taking into account new technical channels for data exchange and transmission

the ESC recommends

that the members who are involved with ESC activity provide access to the files of their seismological, geochemical and other geophysical observations through INTERNET.

European Macroseismic Scale (EMS-92)

Considering

the successful testing period of three years of the new 'European Macroseismic Scale' (EMS-92).

the ESC recommends

the use of the EMS-92 in its improved version in future macroseismic studies in Europe.

ESC Training Course for Young Seismologists

Considering

the very positive response of participants in the first "ESC Training Course for Young Seismologists" in conjunction with the Reykjavik General Assembly of the ESC, the Bureau of the ESC expresses its sincere thanks to the organizers and lecturers of this course and,

the ESC recommends

that such training courses are made an integral part of future ESC General Assemblies.

Thanks

Recognising

the great success of the XXV General Assembly of the ESC (1996),

the participants gathered in Reykjavik

express their appreciation

to the Icelandic Meteorological Office, the Ministry for the Environment and the University of Iceland for hosting this meeting, and

express their gratitude

to the Local Organizing Committee for their excellent and efficient work in preparing and managing this meeting and for the very enjoyable social programme.