Empirical correlations of shear wave velocity (V-s) and penetration resistance (SPT-N) for different soils in an earthquake-prone area (Erbaa-Turkey)

The seismicity of the northern part of Turkey is mainly controlled by the North Anatolian Fault zone (NAFZ). The NAFZ is one of the world's most active seismic zones, and has produced destructive earthquakes and related hazards in the northern region of Turkey. Several earthquakes and earthquake-related hazards have occurred along different segments of this fault zone in the recent past. The study area, Erbaa town, is located along the eastern segment of North Anatolian Fault Zone (NAFZ) and is one of the largest towns of Tokat Province in the Middle Black Sea Region of Turkey. The center of Erbaa is located on the left embankment of the Kelkit River. After the disastrous 1942 (M-s=7.2) and 1943 (M-s=7.6) earthquakes, the settlement was shifted southwards.