A catalogue of earthquakes in Sweden in 1375–1890

Abstract

The present catalogue of earthquakes in Sweden between the years 1375 and 1890 contains 338 entries with maximum intensity, MM Scale, ranging from III to VII, radius of area of perceptibility from 10 to 300 km, and local magnitude, MM(UPP), from 2.2 to 4.8. The quantification of earthquake parameters also includes time and place of occurrence, and is based on macroseismic data compiled from various sources. The distribution of epicentres is shown in a map and is similar to that obtained from more recent, instrumental data—with highest seismicity in the Lake Vänern area and along the Gulf of Bothnia—except that historical data from Lappland are almost lacking. Various spatial and temporal inconsistencies in the catalogue are discussed. There is an apparent seasonal peak in the seismic activity during the winter months, which has no correspondence in the instrumental-time record and probably is an artifact of erroneous interpretation of frost-related phenomena. The catalogue, which can probably be extended by investigation of newspapers, church manuals, etc., is a supplement to lists of historical earthquakes in neighbouring countries and to compilations of earthquakes in Sweden since 1891.

Key Words:

• Sweden
• historical earthquakes
• catalogue
• parameter quantification
• seismicity map