Liquefaction Susceptibility Map of the Broader Thessaloniki Urban Area

Τhe occurrence of liquefaction and the generation of liquefaction-induced deformations can result in severe damages to the manmade environment particularly in urban areas constructed in coastal areas. The first event close to an urban environment and studied in detail, was the 1906 San Francisco earthquake while the last decade, severe structural damages were induced due to soil liquefaction (CES 2010–2011, Great East Japan 2011, Emilia Romagna 2012 and Cephalonia 2014 earthquakes). In order to prevent the occurrence of soil liquefaction and to minimize its effects to the manmade environment, studies regarding the susceptibility of the geological units should initially take place, oriented to the assessment of the depositional environment. The goal of this study is to delineate susceptible to liquefaction geological units within the broader Thessaloniki urban area. In order to achieve this, information regarding the surficial distribution of geological units was taken into account in conjunction with the historical seismicity background of the area. The result obtained by this study is that the industrialized area, located to the western edge of the urban area, is constructed upon sediments classified as high to very high liquefaction susceptibility. The outcome of this study can be used by urban planners for the future extension of the city of Thessaloniki.