HVSR Curves Research Articles

Characterization and application of submarine seismic ambient noise in the Bohai Sea and Yellow Sea

Submarine seismic ambient noise imaging combines current marine and on-land seismic detection technologies. Based on data from several broadband shallow-sea type ocean bottom seismometers (SOBSs) deployed in the Bohai Sea and north Yellow Sea, this paper analyzes the submarine seismic ambient noise characteristics. It explores the theory, technology, method and application of the submarine seismic ambient noise imaging using the single-point horizontal and vertical spectral ratio method (HVSR). The observations yield the following results: 1) Submarine seismic ambient noise has consistent and constant energy, making it an appropriate passive seismic source for submarine high-frequency surface wave investigation. 2) Using the HVSR approach, a single three-component OBS could differentiate between the basement and sediments. Array seismic observation could be utilized to extract the frequency dispersion curve and invert it to obtain the velocity structure for more accurate stratification. 3) The SOBS we use is suitable for submarine surface wave exploration. 4) Tomography results with greater resolution and deeper penetration could be obtained by combining active and passive sources in a simultaneous inversion of the HVSR and frequency dispersion curve. Seamless land-to-ocean seismic research can be accomplished with submarine seismic ambient noise imaging technologies.

Application of microtremor H/V spectral ratio method in determining characteristic parameters of typical laterite sites

Microtremor signals contain rich geophysical information, and the application of microtremor measurements in determining site characteristic parameters is increasingly valued because of their advantages of simple operation, environmental friendliness, and low cost. In this study, systematic microtremor measurements were conducted at a typical laterite site. The microtremor measurement data were processed with different combinations of horizontal components using the H/V spectral ratio method(H: Horizontal frequency domain signal of the microtremor; V: Vertical frequency domain signal of the microtremor). to take the HVSR curve. The period corresponding to the peak of the HVSR curve was considered to be the predominant period of the site, the site classifications were determined, and geotechnical types were divided. This study indicates that the microtremor H/V spectral ratio method is highly consistent with the results of borehole exploration for determining site classifications and dividing geotechnical types. Moreover, using the combination of vectors sum of East-West direction and North-South direction as horizontal components in the microtremor H/V spectral ratio method can more easily and accurately determine the site-predominant period.

Site classification methodology using support vector machine: A study

The site effect is a crucial factor when analyzing seismic risk and establishing ground motion attenuation relationships. A number of countries have introduced building site classification into earthquake-resistant design codes to account for local site effects on ground motion. However, most site classification indicators rely on drilling data, which is often expensive and requires considerable manpower. As a result, the less detailed drilling data may lead to an undetermined site category of numerous stations. In this study, a Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithm-based site classification model was trained to address this issue using strong ground motion data and site data from KiK-net and K-net. The classification model used the average HVSR curve of the labeled site and the combined inputs, including frequency, peak, “prominence, and “sharpness” extracted from the curve. The SVM classification model has an accuracy of 76.12% on the test set, with recall rates of 82.69%, 75%, and 63.64% for sites I, II, and III, respectively. The precision rates are 75.44%, 73.77%, and 87.50%, respectively, with F1 scores of 78.90%, 74.38%, and 73.68%. For sites without significant peaks in the HVSR curve, the HVSR curve value was used as the characteristic parameter (input), and the SVM-based site classification model was also trained. The accuracy of class I and II is 75.86%. The results of this study show higher recall and accuracy rates than those obtained using the spectral ratio curve matching method and GRNN method, indicating a better classification performance. Finally, the generalization ability of the model was verified using some basic stations in Xinjiang deployed by the “National Seismic Intensity Rapid Reporting and Early Warning Project”. The SVM-based site classification model that employs strong motion data can provide more reliable classification results for sites without detailed borehole information, and the site classification results can serve as a reference for probing ground motion attenuation relationships, ground motion simulation, and seismic fortification considering the site effect.

Hazard analysis of earthquake in Pleret, Bantul Regency, Yogyakarta Special Region based on microtremor data

Pleret, one of the sub-districts in Bantul Regency, Yogyakarta, is prone to earthquakes. This area is traversed by an active fault system known as the Opak fault, with a maximum magnitude of 6.6 Mw. The local geological conditions can be determined based on microtremor data from 43 measurement points. The purpose of this research is to understand the dynamic characteristics of the local geological conditions, including the dominant frequency (f0), shear wave velocity (Vs30), peak ground acceleration (PGA), and to map the earthquake impacts on the population and structures. Microtremor measurements were conducted for approximately 20 minutes, revealing a dominant frequency range of 0.61-10.85 Hz. The HVSR curve inversion revealed the Vs30 range 213 to 826 m/s distribution. Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) values varied from 0.16 to 0.26 g. Using InaSAFE software, the estimated affected population reached 49,052 people, with over 23,176 structures affected. The results of this mapping are expected to be utilized as a step towards enhancing disaster preparedness.

Site classification Based on Shear Wave Velocity Inversion in The Jlantah Dam Construction Project using the HVSR (Horizontal to Vertical Spectral Ratio) Analysis Method

This research was conducted with the aim to test whether the results of the inversion of the HVSR curve can be used as complementary data for N-SPT values in classifying areas according to site classification. The inversion result in the form of shear wave velocity (VS ) is then compared directly with the N-SPT data in several boreholes. Ellipticity curve method is used for inversion. The data generated in this study are dominant frequency, Amplitude Peak, and H/V curve as a result of the HVSR analysis performed on microtremor data. Furthermore, an inversion was carried out on the H/V curve by taking into account secondary data in the form of borehole, shear wave velocity, density and poisson ratio for each type of lithology. The dominant frequency value obtained has a value range of 0.33 to 17.15 Hz. The Amplitude Peak obtained in the study area has a value range of 1.81 – 11.4. The inversion (VS ) value has a range of 110.5 m/s – 400 m/s, so it is included in the classification of Soft Soil, Medium Soil, and Hard Soil and Soft Rock. The correlation of and N-SPT show that inversion method with HVSR analysis of microtremor data is quite reliable as supporting data for N-SPT. Considering cons of drilling, the method used in this study can be a new alternative for use in construction projects because it can be carried out at a relatively low cost, and is quite simple in terms of data acquisition and processing.

Contribution of HVSR, MASW, and geotechnical investigations in seismic microzonation for safe urban extension: A case study in Ghabt Admin (Agadir), western Morocco

Ghabt Admin, located in western Morocco, is prone to seismic activity and site effects due to its position within an alluvial basin situated between two faulted mountain belts. The region has experienced several devastating earthquakes, including the 1960 Agadir earthquake that resulted in the loss of 12,000 lives and the destruction of over 75% of the city. Moreover, the area has recently undergone rapid urbanization, necessitating the implementation of seismic studies to make informed decisions regarding land use. This study aims to conduct the first seismic microzonation and site characterization studies by using HVSR, 1D-MASW, and geotechnical investigations. The datasets consist of 80 microtremors, 15 1D-MASW profiles, detailed geological observations, boreholes, and soil/rock identification tests. Due to challenges related to anthropogenic sources and soil heterogeneities, only 31 H/V measurements met the SESAME criteria. The HVSR results indicate the following: (i) the predominant peak frequency (f0) ranges from 1.4 to 15.7 Hz, with lower values (1.4–3 Hz) observed in the Oued Issen alluvial fans and the sand dune area, while moderate to high values (4–15.7 Hz) are found in the lacustrine limestone and Tagragra’s dome. (ii) The amplitude peak frequency (A0) ranges from 2 to 7.7, with higher values observed in the southwestern zone and certain parts of the glacis-fans zone, particularly in the Oued Issen zone. (iii) The seismic vulnerability index (Kg) ranges from 0.28 to 39.5. The Oued Issen area, which is composed of recent unconsolidated deposits and affected by the Oued Issen fault, exhibits high Kg values. Analysis of HVSR curve typology reveals complex geology. The VS30 map shows VS values ranging from 179 m/s to 830 m/s, classifying the study area into soil classes A, B, and C according to Eurocode 8. Furthermore, the 1D-MASW results are compatible with the HVSR results and the distribution of the geological units.

Soil dynamic response mapping and vulnerability analysis of earthquake hazard in Banda Aceh using HVSR method

Banda Aceh is a city with a high level of seismicity and earthquake risk. The seismicity level is mainly caused by two Sumatran Fault segments, i.e., the Aceh and Seulimeum Segments. Soft alluvium deposits aggravate the earthquake hazard in Banda Aceh. The presence of soft alluvium layers above the more rigid soil layer will cause earthquake wave amplification. This amplification phenomenon can increase the amplitude and energy of earthquake waves, making the earthquake more destructive.Therefore, dynamic response mapping and subsurface structure modeling are required to determine the soil characteristics of the research area. Such information is needed for the infrastructure and planning development of Banda Aceh City. This study obtained the subsurface model from microtremor data and a sequence of processing and modeling techniques. The process uses the Horizontal to Vertical Spectral Ratio method (HVSR). The resonance frequency and amplification values are identified from the ratio between the horizontal and vertical spectrum components depicted in the HVSR curves. Based on the obtained results, Banda Aceh has a predominant frequency values range of 0.54-11.72 Hz and an amplification range of 1.22-6.26. Low predominant frequency is mainly located in the study area’s southeast and center, which is associated with large sediment thickness. Meanwhile, high amplification values are mainly located on the study area’s southeast, middle, and northwest sides, which are associated with increased sediment depth and geological features in the form of swamp sediment. Then the value of seismic vulnerability (Kg ) can be obtained based on the predominant frequency and amplification value. In this study, the value of seismic vulnerability ranges between 0.72-31.77 area with relatively high vulnerability values in the middle, southeast, south, and southwest of the study area.

Preliminary analysis of amplified ground motion in Bangkok basin using HVSR curves from recent moderate to large earthquakes

BackgroundThe Bangkok Basin has been known from non-instrumental observations of the local population to be subject to ground motion amplification due to the deep alluvial sediments and basin geometry. This study analyzes available seismic data to confirm that basin effects are significant in the Bangkok Basin. The paper contributes to the evaluation of basin effects by characterizing the engineering ground motion parameters and HVSR curves for the Bangkok basin which produce lengthening of ground motion duration with respect to nearby rock sites, albeit with very low ground motions. For this purpose, we analyzed ground motion records from seismic stations located within the Bangkok alluvial basin from 2007 to 2021. Recorded peak horizontal ground acceleration (PGA) for seismic stations inside the basin always exceeded 1 cm/s2 during eight earthquakes with Mw ≥ 5.5. Of these, two were intraslab events and six were shallow crustal earthquakes. These recorded ground motions shook high-rise buildings in Bangkok even though their epicentral distance exceeded 600 km.MethodsSeveral time and frequency domain analyses (such as analysis of residual, HVSR, Hodogram plots, etc.) are used on the ground motion records in the Bangkok basin to determine the frequency content of recorded ground motion and to demonstrate the significance of surface waves induced by the deep basin in altering the engineering ground motion amplitudes. In addition, centerless circular array microtremor analysis is used to determine the depth of sedimentary basin to the bedrock.ResultsBased on comparisons from those stations located outside the Bangkok basin, we observed the capability of alluvial deposits in the Bangkok basin to amplify ground motion records by about 3 times. We observed that there is a unique site amplification effect between 0.3 and 0.1 Hz due to local surface waves and other moderate amplifications between 2 and 0.5 Hz due to a soft layer like other deep alluvial basins in other metropolitan areas.ConclusionWe noticed that there is a unique site amplification effect between 0.1 and 0.3 Hz and smaller peaks around 2 and 0.5 Hz consistent with expectations for site amplification effects associated with deep basins. Moreover, we noticed the presence of low frequencies content of the surface wave generated within the basin which deserved further studies using the 2D/3D ground motion modelling through basin topography and velocity models.

Quaternary Deposit Response to Earthquakes in Pemalang City Based on Peak Ground Acceleration, Earthquake Intensity, and Microtremor Method

The northern part of Pemalang City consists of Quaternary deposits, having the potential for earthquake amplification effect. This amplification effect amplifies the ground shaking because of an earthquake (the local site effect) that has the potential to cause damage. This study investigated the amplification factor from the HVSR curve of microtremor measurements due to soil response based on ground shear strain, the risk level of the earthquake based on peak ground acceleration (PGA), and earthquake intensity. The microtremor data from five locations in Pemalang were used to calculate the amplification factor and predominant frequency. The damaging earthquake parameters around Java during 2010-2020 were used to calculate the PGA. The microtremor data were processed using the HVSR method, and PGA was calculated using the Kanai equation. The HVSR result shows that Pemalang has an amplification factor ranging from 6.23 to 19.59 and ground shear strain varying between 0.86 x 10-4 and 6.67 x 10-4, which shows that Pemalang only experiences the vibration when an earthquake occurs. The PGA results using the Kanai equation (19.71-54.56 gal) were included in the low vulnerability category, and MMI earthquake intensity (3.08-4.70) was included in the felt earthquake category (II SIG BMKG scale). Therefore, the amplification factor from the HVSR curve of microtremor measurement, ranging from 6.23 to 19.59, showed low soil response and low-risk vulnerability based on the damaging earthquake parameter around Java during 2010-2020. Keywords: peak ground acceleration, amplification, microtremor, PGA

Subsurface Analysis Using Microtremor and Resistivity to Determine Soil Vulnerability and Discovery of New Local Fault

Microtremor and geoelectrical resistivity surveys have been conducted in areas where the April 10, 2021, earthquake of 6.1 Mw caused the most damage. Wirotaman Village, Malang Regency, was one of the regions with the most extensive damage. This study aims to investigate the seismic vulnerability and subsurface conditions that result in severe damage at the research location. This study's Horizontal to Vertical Spectral Ratio Analysis (HVSR) curve was derived from the recorded microtremor signal in the frequency domain. The frequency parameter and amplification factor obtained from the curve are used to determine the seismic vulnerability index. In addition, a geoelectrical resistivity study with a dipole-dipole configuration was conducted at the site with the most extensive damage. The results of this study show the correlation between the results of the HVSR curve analysis and geoelectrical resistivity in determining the seismic vulnerability of an area. The results indicated that the high seismic vulnerability index value ranged from Kg= 12.0 to 18.0, with the most severe damage concentrated in the Southwest at SA 05 and SA 06. Based on the results of the geoelectrical survey, information was obtained that several points of damage to buildings at SA 05 (red circle) were on the same line, where this condition was associated with the possibility of new faults at that location. This microtremor and geoelectric resistivity investigation reveals thick sedimentary deposits with a high seismic vulnerability index and low resistivity. This study's findings can be utilized as a guide for micro zonation studies in research areas. This research contributes to the surrounding community in the form of disaster mitigation, where construction must avoid local fault positions that have been found to reduce the level of damage when natural geological disasters occur. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2023-09-09-014 Full Text: PDF

Geophysical surveys in the Kashmir valley (J&K Himalayas) part I: Estimation of dynamic parameters for soils and investigation of the deep basin structure

A combined set of multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW) and single-station microtremor horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (MHVSR) testing was performed at over 190 sites within the complete Kashmir Basin, mainly concentrated within the Greater Srinagar region. The aim was to establish the dynamic parameters of the main geomorphological units, especially the sedimentary deposits (Alluvial and Karewa) in the valley through widespread geophysical testing. Shear wave velocity (VS) and frequency parameters were estimated for each of the sites. Multiple impedance contrasts in the HVSR curves were found within the sedimentary deposits indicating a number of stratigraphic layers which were then correlated with the geology of the region. Further, forward modelling routine was utilised to extend the VS profile to deeper depths, to determine the first-order estimate bedrock depth and establish the basin structure which remains largely unexplored till now. Lastly, geological cross-sections were constructed using these results from the geophysical tests.

Microtremor Recording Surveys to Study the Effects of Seasonally Frozen Soil on Site Response

Microtremor recording tests using an accelerometer were carried out in this paper with the aim of characterizing the effects of seasonally frozen soil on the seismic site response, including the two-direction microtremor spectrum, site predominant frequency, and site amplification factor. The study selected eight typical seasonal permafrost sites in China for site microtremor measurements during both summer and winter seasons. Based on the recorded data, the horizontal and vertical components of the microtremor spectrum, HVSR curves, site predominant frequency, and site amplification factor were calculated. The results showed that seasonally frozen soil increased the predominant frequency of the horizontal component of the microtremor spectrum, while the effect on the vertical component was less noticeable. It indicates that the frozen soil layer has a significant impact on the propagation path and energy dissipation of seismic waves in the horizontal direction. Furthermore, the peak values of the horizontal and vertical components of the microtremor spectrum decreased by 30% and 23%, respectively, due to the presence of seasonally frozen soil. The predominant frequency of the site increased by a maximum of 35% and a minimum of 2.8%, while the amplification factor decreased by a maximum of 38% and a minimum of 11%. Additionally, a relationship between the increased site predominant frequency and the cover thickness was proposed.

On the direct estimation of bedrock depth and time-weighted average VS from surface waves dispersion and HVSR curves

The engineering bedrock depth (h) and time-weighted average shear wave velocity till that depth (VS,h) are recognized to be of primary relevance for earthquake hazard assessment. In fact, in contemporary seismic construction codes, they are regarded as proxys for the site response evaluation. Therefore, time-, cost-efficient and reliable investigation strategies are required for their determination, particularly when numerous surveys have to be interpreted for the reconstruction of the geological setting in large study areas and within micro-zonation studies. With this aim a workflow based on the application of a recently published linear wavelength-depth transformation (WD transform) is evaluated in this paper. The workflow allows to directly derive both h and VS,h from surface waves dispersion and HVSR curves, avoiding the formal solution of the inverse problem,. Obtained results show for the first time the effectiveness and reliability of the proposed workflow for various bedrock depths and overlying velocity structures, and discuss advantages and drawbacks in its application in relation to the uncertainty of the inversion techniques.

Liquefaction assessment based on numerical simulations and simplified methods: A deep soil deposit case study in the Greater Lisbon

The accurate estimation of earthquake-induced liquefaction damage requires detailed ground response analysis, which does not generally consider liquefaction. This paper presents a well-documented pilot site where different approaches to estimate surface ground motion were compared. A simplified stress-based method and non-linear dynamic effective stress numerical analyses were used to identify liquefaction. HVSR curves were used to validate the numerical analyses and laboratory test results were employed to calibrate an advanced constitutive model capable of reproducing liquefaction stress-strain behaviour and pore water pressure generation.1D non-linear elastic numerical analysis evidenced high shear strains in weak soil layers where liquefaction may occur. When PM4sand model was used to simulate liquefaction behaviour in sandy layers, 1D and 2D model responses were rather similar, since liquefaction occurs predominantly at a sandy layer that extends across the valley. Therefore, 1D horizontally infinite layers seems to be a good approximation of the 2D response of this valley.

Regional-scale site characterization mapping in high impedance environments using soil fundamental resonance (f0): New England, USA

In this work, we develop regional-scale site characterization maps of New England, a glaciated region in the Eastern United States, using site fundamental frequency (f0). Due to the strong impedance contrast that creates strongly resonant site response behavior in New England, f0 is the preferred site response proxy for the region and best characterizes spatial variability in soil amplification. We first develop a database of 1577 f0 values collected from the literature (1313) and picked from HVSR curves collected during an additional field campaign (487). Using the surficial geologic units from the conterminous US surficial geology map, we compute distributions of f0 for each of the surficial geologic units mapped in New England. We find that the thick glaciofluvial ice-contact sediments and thick proglacial sediments of Cape Cod and Long Island are characterized by f0 distributions with the lowest medians (1.06 and 1.03 Hz respectively) and narrowest interquartile ranges (0.23 and 0.28 Hz respectively) in New England, which we interpret as being the thickest sediments in the region. The f0 distribution of the thin, proglacial sediments, mostly fine-grained in the Boston Basin, the coast of Lake Champlain and the Maine coast has a relatively low median (2.70 Hz), however it has high variability (3.65 Hz interquartile range) since the sediment thickness varies widely in this geologic unit. The f0 distribution of the thin alluvial sediments of the Connecticut River Valley also has a low f0 median (1.83 Hz) however, it has less variability than the proglacial sediments, mostly fine-grained thin (1.59 Hz). We present maps of the median and interquartile range of the f0 distributions and their corresponding Vs30 distribution approximations. Vs30 distributions are developed for each of the surficial geologic units by assuming a layer-over-halfspace model for site response and establishing estimates of sediment average shear-wave velocity (Vsavg) for each of the units based on a limited number of shear wave velocity profiles from the region. We compare our results against two existing site characterization maps for the region, Wald and Allen (2007) and Becker et al. (2011) and find that our updated maps result in median Vs30 values that tend to be higher than Becker et al. (2011) except in geologies with consistently deep profiles, and lower than Wald and Allen (2007) median values, with the exception of coastal zone sediments.

3D shear-wave velocity structure for Oran city, northwestern Algeria, from inversion of ambient vibration single-station and array measurements

The city of Oran experienced several earthquakes. Therefore, the characterization of its subsurface is crucial for a better evaluation of the seismic hazard. Using ambient vibration single-station and array measurements at 193 sites, the HVSR curves showed a variation of the fundamental frequency peak between 0.3 and 7.4 Hz, growing towards the west, with maximum amplitude of ∼6. The shallow structure has been explored by means of F–K analysis. Joint inversion of the HVSR and Rayleigh wave dispersion curves showed 3 layers of soft and stiff sediments of varying thicknesses overlying the bedrock. The shear-wave velocity (Vs) of the sediments varies between 280 and 1300 m/s and that of the bedrock can reach 2500 m/s. Cross sections show a decrease in sediments thickness from east to west where bedrock outcrops. The maximum depth of bedrock is 1050 m northeast of the city. The obtained Vs models support a soil classification ranging from stiff soil to hard rock.

Liquefaction Potential and Vs30 Structure in the Middle-Chelif Basin, Northwestern Algeria, by Ambient Vibration Data Inversion

The Middle-Chelif basin, in northwestern Algeria, is located in a seismically active region. In its western part lies the El-Asnam fault, a thrust fault responsible for several strong earthquakes. The most important being the El-Asnam earthquake (Ms = 7.3) of 1980. In the present study, ambient vibration data with single-station and array techniques were used to investigate the dynamic properties of the ground and to estimate the Vs30 structure in the main cities of the basin. Soil resonance frequencies vary from 1.2 to 8.3 Hz with a maximum amplitude of 8.7 in. Collapsing behavior has also been demonstrated west of the city of El-Attaf, reflecting a strong potential for liquefaction. A Vs30 variation map and a soil classification for each city were obtained mainly by inversion of the HVSR and Rayleigh wave dispersion curves. Finally, an empirical prediction law of Vs30 for the Middle-Chelif basin was proposed.

Identification of Seismic Response to Aquifer System with A Synthetic Modelling Approach

The microseismic method is relatively new in groundwater exploration, especially in Indonesia. This study will examine the response of microseismic to groundwater aquifer systems. This study aims to analyze the response of seismic waves and to interpret the seismic wave response characteristics to the aquifer system model. The modeling of the aquifer system was carried out using seismic stratigraphy data. This data was used as input data to model the exposed HVSR curve using the Microtrem program in MATLAB. The study of physical parameters and supporting parameters of the aquifer layer and the air contained in it was carried out to support this modeling. The aquifer system modeling was carried out with various parameters, including saturation, porosity, and thickness of the aquifer layer. Furthermore, an analysis of the model is carried out to determine the response characteristics of the aquifer system to microseismic waves. The results show that the frequency range as a marker of the presence of the aquifer ranges from 2-4 Hz, which is determined by parameters within a specific value.

Seismo-Stratigraphic Model for the Urban Area of Milan (Italy) by Ambient-Vibration Monitoring and Implications for Seismic Site Effects Assessment

In this paper, we present the work carried out to characterize the spatial variability of seismic site response related to local soil conditions in the city of Milan and its surroundings, an area with ∼3 million inhabitants and a high density of industrial facilities. The area is located at the northwestern end of the Po Plain, a large and deep sedimentary basin in northern Italy. An urban-scale seismo-stratigraphic model is developed based on new passive and active seismic data, supported by the available geological data and stratigraphic information from shallow and deep vertical wells. In particular, 33 single-station and 4 ambient-vibration array measurements are acquired, together with 4 active multichannel analyses of surface waves (MAWS). To estimate the resonant frequencies of the sediments, the horizontal to vertical spectral ratio technique (HVSR) is applied to the ambient-vibration recordings, whereas to determine the Rayleigh-wave dispersion curves from the passive array, the data are analysed using the conventional frequency-wavenumber, the modified spatial autocorrelation and the extended spatial autocorrelation (ESAC) techniques. The array data are used to determine the local shear wave velocity profiles, VS, via joint inversion of the Rayleigh-wave dispersion and ellipticity curves deduced from the HVSR. The results from HVSR show three main bands of amplified frequencies, the first in the range 0.17–0.23 Hz, the second from 0.45 to 0.65 Hz and the third from 3 to 8 Hz. A decreasing trend of the main peaks is observed from the northern to the southern part of the city, allowing us to hypothesize a progressive deepening of the relative regional chrono-stratigraphic unconformities. The passive ambient noise array and MASW highlight the dispersion of the fundamental mode of the Rayleigh-wave in the range 0.4–30 Hz, enabling to obtain detailed Vs. profiles with depth down to about 1.8 km. The seismo-stratigraphic model is used as input for 1D numerical modelling assuming linear soil conditions. The theoretical 1D transfer functions are compared to the HVSR curves evaluated from both ambient noise signals and earthquake waveforms recorded by the IV. MILN station in the last 10 years.

Profiling the Quito basin (Ecuador) using seismic ambient noise

SUMMARY Quito, the capital of Ecuador, with more than 2.5 M inhabitants, is exposed to a high seismic hazard due to its proximity to the Pacific subduction zone and active crustal faults, both capable of generating significant earthquakes. Furthermore, the city is located in an intermontane piggy-back basin prone to seismic wave amplification. To understand the basin’s seismic response and characterize its geological structure, 20 broad and medium frequency band seismic stations were deployed in Quito’s urban area between May 2016 and July 2018 that continuously recorded ambient seismic noise. We first compute horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratios to determine the resonant frequency distribution in the entire basin. Secondly, we cross-correlate seismic stations operating simultaneously to retrieve interstations surface-wave Green’s functions in the frequency range of 0.1–2 Hz. We find that Love waves travelling in the basin’s longitudinal direction (NNE–SSW) show much clearer correlograms than those from Rayleigh waves. We then compute Love wave phase-velocity dispersion curves and invert them in conjunction with the HVSR curves to obtain shear-wave velocity profiles throughout the city. The inversions highlight a clear difference in the basin’s structure between its northern and southern parts. In the centre and northern areas, the estimated basin depth and mean shear-wave velocity are about 200 m and 1800 ms−1, respectively, showing resonance frequency values between 0.6 and 0.7 Hz. On the contrary, the basement’s depth and shear-wave velocity in the southern part are about 900 m and 2500 ms−1, having a low resonance frequency value of around 0.3 Hz. This difference in structure between the centre-north and the south of the basin explains the spatial distribution of low-frequency seismic amplifications observed during the Mw 7.8 Pedernales earthquake in April 2016 in Quito.