The Analysis of physical- structural vulnerability of the Ninth District of Mashhad from a seismological perspective

Natural hazards in the form of floods, quakes, cyclones, and the like have existed since the earth has come to being. In recent decades, in spite of scientific and technological developments in forecasting incidents, building construction and crisis management have imposed heavy expenses on human societies. The importance of many natural hazards is so great that to predict the very occurrence and intensity of them one needs enough relevant data. Vulnerable districts in large cities are among the localities whose recognition, exact location and right policy making can reduce the probable damages brought about in a natural disaster. Such measures in countries like Iran, with non-homogeneous, rather old urban textures, seem to be of more significance. According to related studies, from a seismological viewpoint, Mashhad, as a metropolitan city, is located in an area with a medium risk of quakes, necessitating measures to face possible natural disasters. Employing a descriptive-analytical, correlational method, the present study drawing on various sources of data (economic, social, natural, etc.) has tried to provide zoning maps for the district under study to facilitate for those in charge of urban management to make the right decisions in case of any natural catastrophes. The results of the study provide a framework for encountering probable natural catastrophes in naturally vulnerable areas of similar urban texture.