Scale free properties in a network-based integrated approach to earthquake pattern analysis

Abstract. This paper proposes a network-based method for the assessment of earthquake relationships in space–time–magnitude patterns. It is shown that networks with high values for the minimum edge weight W_min enjoy strong scaling properties, as opposed to networks with low values for W_min, which exhibit no such properties. The scaling behavior along the spectrum of W_min values, in conjunction with the robustness regarding parameter variations, endorse the idea of a relationship between fundamental properties of seismicity and the scaling properties of the earthquake networks. Results of this method are further applied for the study of temporal changes in volcanic seismicity patterns.