The use of newspaper data in historical earthquake studies

It is suggested that an understanding of the background and nature of newspaper data is an important component in the process of revaluating historical earthquakes from such data.

Abstract

Studies of historical British earthquakes are an essential component of assessing seismic hazard in the U.K.; such studies rely heavily on macroseismic data obtained from printed newspapers. This paper discusses the ways in which newspapers have reported British earthquakes and the nature and limitations of the data that may be acquired from this source. Historical changes in the press as a source of macroseismic data are discussed. It is suggested that an understanding of the background and nature of newspaper data is an important component in the process of revaluating historical earthquakes from such data.