Seismic Hazard Assessment (SHA) is carried out by compiling a detailed earthquake catalogue of the surrounding region, both from the instrumental and the pre-instrumental periods, and carrying out a probabilistic analysis, taking into account the time and spatial variation of seismicity within the relevant seismic source zones, its characteristic magnitudes and distance from Malta. Results are expressed in terms of the probability that a given intensity of ground shaking will be exceeded in Malta within a specified time period.  The major seismic hazard for the Maltese islands arises from potential large earthquakes in Eastern Sicily and the Hellenic arc, as well as moderate earthquakes closer to the island.

Seismic risk combines the seismic hazard with the exposure and vulnerability of buildings and infrastructure. This also depends on the response of the top layers of rock to earthquake ground shaking, according to the geological characteristics. The SMRG has been conducting various geophysical measurements over the past few years to study the upper 100 metres of the ground beneath numerous locations across the Maltese islands. By studying the shallow subsurface, the SMRG aims to understand how localities can be affected differently by earthquake shakes. Geophysical studies are conducted using the compact Tromino portable 3-component seismograph and the SoilSpy Rosina geophone array.