Features of earthquakes in Karelia based on seismic data for the period 2000–2024

The natural seismicity of the Republic of Karelia is studied for the period from 2000 to 2024. The presented results are confirmed by data from the Karelian seismic network and seismic stations in neighboring regions. The geological structure of the study area, characteristics of seismic equipment, programs and data processing methods are briefly described. The presence of a seismic network in the region makes it possible to calculate the main parameters of events and determine their characteristic features. During the specified period, 80 earthquakes with magnitudes from 0.5 to 3.2 were detected, and the data were included in the consolidated seismic catalog of Karelia. Even weak tectonic earthquakes on platforms pose a risk to residential and industrial facilities. Earthquakes mainly occur in the earth's crust at a depth of up to 20 km. The maximum recorded depth of events for the period under consideration is 34 km. The analysis of waveforms and amplitude spectra of local earthquakes was carried out. Seismic events of natural origin are recorded at frequencies in the range from 2 to 18 Hz. The period from 2000 to 2024 is characterized by weak earthquakes occurring in the northern part of the Karelian craton and Belomorian mobile belt. The number of instrumentally recorded earthquakes decreases from west to east, with their epicenters located along the main faults and on the lines of the latest ruptures. The obtained results confirm the existence of previously identified zones of local seismic deformations in Karelia – the Belomorian, Paanajarvi and Kalevalskaya seismogenic structures.