Harmonization of seismic hazard and risk reduction in the Vrancea zone: scientific results of a NATO research project

The paper presents some of the main scientific results achieved in the framework of a recently completed NATO Science for Peace and Security research project. The project aimed to harmonize the different seismic hazard maps of Romania, Moldova and Bulgaria and to develop standard maps in Eurocode 8 format, reflecting the real transboundary geophysical effects of the seismic phenomenon. In order to achieve these results, an important amount of research work in the field was carried out by the project teams of the three countries. The project also involved training of young scientists in the fields of seismic hazard, vulnerability and risk, organizing of seminars and workshops with international experts and upgrading the national seismic networks with new digital equipments. The general coordination of project activities and the evaluation of the project progress were performed by a scientific team from the Middle East Technical University (METU) in Ankara, Turkey.