Iran is located in one of the most seismically active region of the world. The probability of occurring destructive earthquakes in almost all parts of the country have resulted in understanding the seismic nature of Iran from seismotectonic and seismicity viewpoints to be of great importance. Seismological Research Center was established in IIEES to cover this vital necessity, emphasizing research, technology and education in all branches related to seismology and obligations under the program to respond to the needs of country.

Programs and objectives:

  • Comprehensive analytical, experimental, field and instrumental studies and research with the aim of better understanding and more accurate study of the seismic sources (faults), Earth’s crust and mantle structure, seismicity, and earthquake hazard of the Iranian plateau;
  • Producing seismic hazard zoning maps, mapping the main active faults, and development of earthquakes catalog;
  • PhD and MSc Postgraduate  program in earthquake seismology;
  • Technical and advisory services in various areas of seismology, seismotectonics, hazard and earthquake risk analysis;
  • Research and technology cooperation with other research and educational centers, national and international organizations.

Currently, the Seismological Research Center is composed of three main research groups as follows:

Containing more than 100 portable seismic stations and accelerometers, the Laboratory of Seismology is able to monitor the seismogenic zones and aftershocks of large earthquakes by installing temporary compact seismological networks. This kind of local seismic network  has been used for devastating large earthquakes of Avaj, Bam, Zarand, Qeshm, Silakhor (Borujerd), Firuzabad-e Kojour (Baladeh), Kaki Bushehr, Ahar-Varzaghan, and Sarpol-e Zahab (Kermanshah), as well as seismically active regions like Ghir-Karzin, Manjil-Roudbar, Brujen, Minab, Tabriz, Tehran-Rirouzkuh, Central Alborz, and large dam reservoirs of Gotvand-e Olya, Masjed Soleyman, Karkheh, Javeh, Azad, Darian, and Sardasht. In addition, the National Center for Broadband Seismic Network and the Seismology Lab are in close cooperation with the Seismological Research Center. They are jointly planning and implementing to achieve the strategic goals of IIEES.