| 12 Feb 2026
Macroseismic Constraints on Deep Crustal Structures in the Bohemian Massif
Abstract. We analysed two moderate earthquakes that occurred near Mirotice in southern Bohemian Massif (Czechia) in March 2024 (ML 3.5) and April 2025 (ML 3.1), integrating seismological analyses with crowdsourced macroseismic observations. Both events originated at unusually large focal depths for the region (23–24 km) and were widely felt across southern and central Bohemia, attracting significant public and scientific attention. Macroseismic effects were documented through extensive citizen participation, with over 1,500 questionnaires for each event collected by the Institute of Geophysics of Czech Academy of Sciences. Maximum macroseismic intensities reached IV–V; however, the spatial distribution of observations was distinctly non–circular, forming a pattern controlled by major tectonic structures. Areas underlain by granitoids of the Central Bohemian Pluton exhibited dense and far reaching macroseismic responses, consistent with low seismic energy attenuation of the Moldanubian, whereas regions dominated by early Palaeozoic sedimentary rocks of the Teplá–Barrandian showed sparse observations, indicating higher attenuation. Focal mechanisms indicated normal faulting on a NW–SE striking fault plane, consistent with regional stress field. The unusually large focal depths may be attributed to low geothermal gradient in the area suggesting deep seated structural controls on earthquake nucleation. The results delineate two subvertical structures within the Bohemian Massif and demonstrate that crowdsourced macroseismic data provide valuable constraints on earthquake effects and deep geological controls on seismic wave propagation, even in regions with low seismicity, and effectively complement instrumental observations.
General Comments
The paper aims to investigate deep crustal structures in the Bohemian Massif by integrating seismological data with crowdsourced macroseismic observations. While the manuscript is well-written and provides a thorough geological background of the study area, there is a significant disconnect between the stated objectives and the actual data analysis presented.
The authors claim that the study demonstrates how citizen-reported data can reveal geological controls on earthquake effects. However, the manuscript lacks the analytical support necessary to justify such conclusions. Furthermore, there is a notable absence of macroseismic literature or citations linking macroseismic intensity to geological structures, despite the extensive geological references. In its current form, the paper describes the dataset and the geological setting but falls short of providing the seismological and macroseismic analysis promised in the abstract. Major revisions are required to substantiate the interpretations with quantitative evidence.
Specific Comments
Technical Corrections