Abstract:
Statistical analysis was performed, which revealed statistical parameters of the seismic setting before the earthquake in the region of Crete (01.04.2011 with coordinates 26.56oE, 35.64oN; Ml = 6.2, h = 63 km and T0 = 13: 29: 10.5 ). For this purpose, the spatial and temporal changes in the b-value and the value of the Z-seismic lull were estimated. The temporary change in the b-value shows that the average value of b decreased from 1.75 ± 0.02 between 1985 and 2002 to 1.4 ± 0.02 between 2003 and 2011. A significant decrease in the b-value and clear anomalies of calm in the Z-value in early 2011 were also observed in several neighboring areas. The epicenter of the earthquake falls in an area with a relatively low value of the a-parameter estimated for the entire previous period. In the study area, the abnormal decreasing trend of the b-value may be an indicator of increased stress, and the increasing trend of the Z-value may indicate areas of calm before the studied earthquake.