Abstract Islands, often characterized by unique geographic attributes and limited development, are critical nodes in the marine economy due to their rich natural resources. However, their geographical disposition, particularly in regions with intense sea–land interaction, renders them exceptionally vulnerable to seismic disasters. This study introduced a novel, automated framework for seismic hazard assessment (SHA) tailored to island regions, employing Geographic Information System (GIS) technology alongside multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods. The framework integrates 15 factors encompassing historical earthquake records, geological, and geomorphological characteristics, geophysical properties, crustal structure, and ground motion parameters. Indicator weights were derived using a hybrid entropy weight method (EWM) and analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method. The seismic hazard of each island was quantified through the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation approach, leveraging available geospatial and geophysical data. A custom GIS toolbox was developed to facilitate efficient, data-driven SHA processes. To illustrate the efficacy of this framework, a case study involving 31 islands in Shandong Province, China, was conducted, elucidating the spatial distribution of seismic disasters. The results could offer critical insights for the engineering design of seismically resilient infrastructure and the development of disaster mitigation strategies for these island communities. The proposed methodology may serve as a reference model for SHA in other island regions worldwide. Research highlights <UnorderedList Mark="Bullet"> <ItemContent> Pioneers a specialized indicator system for island seismic hazard assessment, tailored to unique seismotectonic environments. </ItemContent> <ItemContent> Develops an automated GIS-MCDM framework integrating hybrid EWM-AHP weighting and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation. </ItemContent> <ItemContent> Implements the methodology through a custom GIS toolbox that standardizes and enhances analytical workflow efficiency. </ItemContent> <ItemContent> Successfully validates the framework through application to 31 islands in Shandong, China, providing critical risk mitigation insights. </ItemContent> </UnorderedList>

Seismic hazard assessment of island regions using multi-criteria decision-making approaches and GIS technology

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发表日期：

2026年4月27日

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Jing Jia,
Ruiyan You,
Ye Wang,
Sailin Deng

摘要

Abstract

Islands, often characterized by unique geographic attributes and limited development, are critical nodes in the marine economy due to their rich natural resources. However, their geographical disposition, particularly in regions with intense sea–land interaction, renders them exceptionally vulnerable to seismic disasters. This study introduced a novel, automated framework for seismic hazard assessment (SHA) tailored to island regions, employing Geographic Information System (GIS) technology alongside multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods. The framework integrates 15 factors encompassing historical earthquake records, geological, and geomorphological characteristics, geophysical properties, crustal structure, and ground motion parameters. Indicator weights were derived using a hybrid entropy weight method (EWM) and analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method. The seismic hazard of each island was quantified through the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation approach, leveraging available geospatial and geophysical data. A custom GIS toolbox was developed to facilitate efficient, data-driven SHA processes. To illustrate the efficacy of this framework, a case study involving 31 islands in Shandong Province, China, was conducted, elucidating the spatial distribution of seismic disasters. The results could offer critical insights for the engineering design of seismically resilient infrastructure and the development of disaster mitigation strategies for these island communities. The proposed methodology may serve as a reference model for SHA in other island regions worldwide.

Research highlights

Pioneers a specialized indicator system for island seismic hazard assessment, tailored to unique seismotectonic environments.

Develops an automated GIS-MCDM framework integrating hybrid EWM-AHP weighting and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation.

Implements the methodology through a custom GIS toolbox that standardizes and enhances analytical workflow efficiency.

Successfully validates the framework through application to 31 islands in Shandong, China, providing critical risk mitigation insights.