Long-period Ground Motion Simulations Research Articles

Long-period ground motion simulation using centroid moment tensor inversion solutions based on the regional three-dimensional model in the Kanto region, Japan

We conducted centroid moment tensor (CMT) inversions of moderate (Mw 4.5–6.5) earthquakes in the Kanto region, Japan, using a local three-dimensional (3D) model. We then investigated the effects of our 3D CMT solutions on long-period ground motion simulations. Grid search CMT inversions were conducted using displacement seismograms for periods of 25–100 s. By comparing our 3D CMT solutions with those from the local one-dimensional (1D) catalog, we found that our 3D CMT inversion systematically provides magnitudes smaller than those in the 1D catalog. The Mw differences between 3D and 1D catalogs tend to be significant for earthquakes within the oceanic slab. By comparing ground motion simulations between 1D and 3D velocity models, we confirmed that observed Mw differences could be explained by differences in the rigidity structures around the source regions between 3D and 1D velocity models. The 3D velocity structures (especially oceanic crust and mantle) are important for estimating seismic moments in intraslab earthquakes, which are related to fault size estimation. A detailed discussion for intraslab seismicity can be conducted using the 3D CMT catalog. The seismic moments also directly affect the amplitudes of ground motions. The 3D CMT catalog allows us to directly conduct the precise forward and inverse modeling of long-period ground motion without adjusting source models, which have been typically applied in the cases using the 1D CMT catalog. We also conducted long-period ground motion simulations using our 3D CMT solutions to evaluate the reproducibility of long-period ground motions at stations within the Kanto Basin. The simulations of our 3D CMT solutions well-reproduced observed ground motions for periods longer than 10 s, even at stations within the Kanto Basin. The reproducibility of simulations was improved from those using solutions in the 1D catalog.

Long-Period Ground Motion Simulation and its Impact on Seismic Response of High-Rise Buildings

ABSTRACTThis paper first critically reviews a seismological model and then a three-segment curve model (in log-log space) to model the Q-f relationship is proposed to overcome the potential biased estimation in the long-period range by the “coda wave” method. The optimal curve-fitting process is performed to determine the Q-f relationship for the Hong Kong region. The calibrated seismological factors are incorporated with the stochastic simulation procedure to generate synthetic ground motions, which are validated through comparison with seismic records. The impact of long-period ground motions on the seismic response of high-rise buildings is finally manifested through a numerical study.

Seismic Hazard Visualization from Big Simulation Data: Cluster Analysis of Long-Period Ground-Motion Simulation Data

This paper describes a method of extracting the relation between the ground-motion characteristics of each area and a seismic source model, based on ground-motion simulation data output in planar form for many earthquake scenarios, and the construction of a parallel distributed processing system where this method is implemented. The extraction is realized using two-stage clustering. In the first stage, the ground-motion indices and scenario parameters are used as input data to cluster the earthquake scenarios within each evaluation mesh. In the second stage, the meshes are clustered based on the similarity of earthquake-scenario clustering. Because the mesh clusters can be correlated to the geographical space, it is possible to extract the relation between the ground-motion characteristics of each area and the scenario parameters by examining the relation between the mesh clusters and scenario clusters obtained by the two-stage clustering. The results are displayed visually; they are saved as GeoTIFF image files. The system was applied to the long-period ground-motion simulation data for hypothetical megathrust earthquakes in the Nankai Trough. This confirmed that the relation between the extracted ground-motion characteristics of each area and scenario parameters is in agreement with the results of ground-motion simulations.

Kinematic source models for long-period ground motion simulations of megathrust earthquakes: validation against ground motion data for the 2003 Tokachi-oki earthquake

In this study, a method for simulating the ground motion of megathrust earthquakes at periods of approximately 2 s and longer was validated by using the characterized source model combined with multi-scale spatial heterogeneity. Source models for the M W 8.3, 2003 Tokachi-oki earthquake were constructed, and ground motion simulations were conducted to test their performance. First, a characterized source model was generated based on a source model obtained from waveform inversion analysis. Then, multi-scale heterogeneity was added to the spatial distribution of several source parameters to yield a heterogeneous source model. An investigation of the Fourier spectra and 5 % damped velocity response spectra of the simulated and observed ground motions demonstrated that adding multi-scale heterogeneity to the spatial distributions of the slip, rupture velocity, and rake angle of the characterized source model is an effective method for constructing a source model that explains the ground motion at periods of 2–20 s. It was also revealed how the complexity of the parameters affects the resulting ground motion. The complexity of the rupture velocity had the largest influence among the three parameters.

Ground Motion Modeling in the Eastern Caucasus

In this study, we analyzed the performance of a preliminary three-dimensional (3D) velocity model of the Eastern Caucasus covering most of the Azerbaijan. The model was developed in support to long-period ground motion simulations and seismic hazard assessment from regional earthquakes in Azerbaijan. The model’s performance was investigated by simulating ground motion from the damaging Mw 5.9, 2012 Zaqatala earthquake, which was well recorded throughout the region by broadband seismic instruments. In our simulations, we use a parallelized finite-difference method of fourth-order accuracy. The comparison between the simulated and recorded ground motion velocity in the modeled period range of 3–20 s shows that in general, the 3D velocity model performs well. Areas in which the model needs improvements are located mainly in the central part of the Kura basin and in the Caspian Sea coastal areas. Comparisons of simulated ground motion using our 3D velocity model and corresponding 1D regional velocity model were used to locate areas with strong 3D wave propagation effects. In areas with complex underground structure, the 1D model fails to produce the observed ground motion amplitude and duration, and spatial extend of ground motion amplification caused by wave propagation effects.

Finite-Difference Simulation of Long-Period Ground Motion for the Sagami Trough Megathrust Earthquakes

We perform long-period ground motion simulations for Sagami Trough earthquakes by a three dimensional finite-difference method. The Sagami Trough has been the site of two well-known megathrust earthquakes, the 1923 Taisho- and the 1703 Genroku-type Kanto earthquakes. However, a lack of accumulated historical earthquake records prevents us fromobtaining knowledge of the source model of the next anticipated event for long-period ground motion hazard evaluation. Therefore, it is important to consider numerous possibilities for the unknown source parameters. We compare ground motions for several scenarios with different source area, and with magnitudes ranging from Mw7.9 to 8.6. Peak ground velocity (PGV) within the Kanto basin, including the Tokyo metropolitan area, differs by several times depending on the choice of the source area. The effects of the variety in fault parameters, such as rupture starting points and asperity patterns, are also studied. They can greatly vary the ground motion within the Kanto area, especially in the direction of rupture propagation, suggesting the severe impact of directivity effects. Source models with different rupture starting points produce PGV and 5% damped velocity response (Sv) that vary from each other by as much as 10-20 times. PGV and Sv vary by up to five times depending on the asperity pattern. Our simulation results show that the predicted ground motion for the earthquake scenarios strongly depends on both the source size and other fault parameters of the source models. It is suggested that the seismic hazard assessment requires statistical evaluation of ground motions from as many source models as possible in order to overcome the uncertainties of the source.

An evaluation of 3-D velocity models of the Kanto basin for long-period ground motion simulations

We performed three-dimensional (3-D) finite difference simulations of long-period ground motions (2–10 s) in the Kanto basin using the Japan Seismic Hazard Information Station (J-SHIS 2009), Yamada and Yamanaka (Exploration Geophysics 65(3):139–150, 2012) (YY), and Head Quarter for Earthquake Research Promotion (HERP 2012) velocity models for two intermediate depth (68–80 km) moderate earthquakes (Mw 5.8–5.9), which occurred beneath the Kanto basin. The models primarily differ in the basic data set used in the construction of the velocity models. The J-SHIS and HERP models are the results of integration of mainly geological, geophysical, and earthquake data. On the other hand, the YY model is oriented towards the microtremor-array-observation data. We obtained a goodness of fit between the observed and synthetic data based on three parameters, peak ground velocities (PGVs), smoothed Fourier spectra (FFT), and cross-correlations, using an algorithm proposed by Olsen and Mayhew (Seism Res Lett 81:715–723, 2010). We found that the three models reproduced the PGVs and FFT satisfactorily at most sites. However, the models performed poorly in terms of cross-correlations especially at the basin edges. We found that the synthetics using the YY model overestimate the observed waveforms at several sites located in the areas having V s 0.3 km/s in the top layer; on the other hand, the J-SHIS and HERP models explain the waveforms better at the sites and perform similarly at most sites. We also found that the J-SHIS and HERP models consist of thick sediments beneath some sites, where the YY model is preferable. Thus, we have concluded that the models require revisions for the reliable prediction of long-period ground motions from future large earthquakes.

表層部分に注目した地震動シミュレーションのための関東平野の3次元S波速度深部地盤モデル

表層部分に注目した地震動シミュレーションのための関東平野の3次元S波速度深部地盤モデル

Three-dimensional Long-period Ground-motion Simulations in the Upper Mississippi Embayment

We employed a 3D velocity model and 3D wave propagation code to simulate long-period ground motions in the upper Mississippi embayment. This region is at risk from large earthquakes in the New Madrid seismic zone (NMSZ) and observational data are sparse, making simulation a valuable tool for predicting the effects of large events. We undertook these simulations to estimate the magnitude of shaking likely to occur and to investigate the influence of the 3D embayment structure and finite-fault mechanics on ground motions. There exist three primary fault zones in the NMSZ, each of which was likely associated with one of the main shocks of the 1811–12 earthquake triplet. For this study, three simulations have been conducted on each major segment, exploring the impact of different epicentral locations and rupture directions on ground motions. The full wave field up to a frequency of 0.5 Hz is computed on a 200 × 200 × 50-km3 volume using a staggered-grid finite-difference code. Peak horizontal velocity and bracketed durations were calculated at the free surface. The NMSZ simulations indicate that for the considered bandwidth, finite-fault mechanics such as fault proximity, directivity effect, and slip distribution exert the most control on ground motions. The 3D geologic structure of the upper Mississippi embayment also influences ground motion with indications that amplification is induced by the sharp velocity contrast at the basin edge.

Validation of 3-D basin structure models for long-period ground motion simulation in the Osaka basin, western Japan

We studied the applicability of two types of existing three-dimensional (3-D) basin velocity struc- ture models of the Osaka basin, western Japan for long-period ground motion simulations. We synthe- sized long-period (3-20 s) ground motions in the Osaka basin during a M6.5 earthquake that occurred near the hypothetical Tonankai earthquake source area, approximately 200 km from Osaka. The simu- lations were performed using a 3-D finite-difference method with nonuniform staggered grids using the two basin velocity structure models. To study the ground motion characteristics inside the basin, we evaluated the wave field inside the basin using the transfer functions derived from the synthetics at the basin and a reference rock site outside the basin. The synthetic waveforms atthe basin site were obtained by a convolution of the calculated transfer function and the observed waveform at the reference rock site. First, we estimated the appropriate Q values for the sediment layers. Assuming that the Q value depends on the S wave velocity VS and period T, it was set to Q=(1/3VS)(T0/T) where VS is in m/s and the reference period T0 is 3.0 s. Second, we compared the synthetics and the observations using waveforms and pseudovelocity response spectra, together with a comparison of the velocity structures of the two basin models. We also introduced a goodness-of-fit factor to the pseudovelocity response spectra as an objective index. The synthetics of both the models reproduced the observations reasonably well at most of the stations in the central part the basin. At some stations, however, especially where the bedrock depth varies sharply, there were noticeable discrepancies in the simulation results of the models, and the synthetics did not accurately reproduce the observation. Our results indicate that the superiority of one model over the other cannot be determined and that an improve- ment in the basin velocity structure models based on simulation studies is required, especially along the basin edges. We also conclude that our transfer function method can be used to examine the applica- bility of the basin velocity structure models for long- period ground motion simulations.

Finite-element simulations of long-period ground motions: Japanese subduction-zone earthquakes and the 1906 San Francisco earthquake

Large earthquakes at shallow depths commonly excite long-period ground motions in distant sedimentary basins, thereby inflicting damage upon large-scale structures. For example, the 2003 Tokachi-oki earthquake, Japan, damaged oil tanks in the Yufutsu Basin, located 250 km from the epicenter. Similar long-range effects were also observed during the 2004 earthquake off Kii Peninsula, Japan. In this study, we present the results of simulations of these earthquakes undertaken using the finite element method (FEM) with a voxel mesh. In addition, to examine whether the 1906 San Francisco earthquake excited long-period ground motions in the Los Angeles-area basins, we performed long-period ground motion simulations of most of the California region. The FEM simulations confirmed the importance of path effects for the development of long-period ground motions.

Basin and crustal velocity structure models for the simulation of strong ground motions in the Kinki area, Japan

We constructed a prototype of the basin and crustal structure model for the Kinki area, southwest of Japan, for the simulation of strong ground motions of hypothetical crustal and subduction earthquakes. We collected results of the deep seismic velocity profiles obtained by the reflection experiments and seismic imaging results, which were conducted in the Kinki area. The obtained profiles give underground velocity structures of the crust, from the surface to the subducting slab. We also gather the basin velocity structure information of the Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Ohmi basins. To examine the applicability of the constructed velocity structure model to the ground motion simulation, we simulated waveforms of an intermediate size event occurred near the source area of the hypothetical subduction earthquakes. Simulated ground motions using the basin and crustal velocity structure model are fairly well reproducing the observations at most of stations, and the constructed basin and crustal velocity structure model is applicable for the long-period ground motion simulations.

Long-period ground motion simulation in the Kinki area during the MJ 7.1 foreshock of the 2004 off the Kii peninsula earthquakes

AbstractLong-period (5–20 s) ground motion simulations in the Kinki area during theMJ7.1 foreshock of the 2004 off the Kii peninsula earthquakes are performed. We construct a three-dimensional underground structure model that includes the source region and Osaka basin area to confirm propagation-path effects of crustal structure on long-period ground motions. Finite difference (FD) simulations by our three-dimensional underground structure model agree well with long-period observed ground motions at several rock sites in the Kinki area. We found that a sedimentary wedge structure along the Nankai trough amplifies and elongates long-period ground motions from this event. We also examine the effect of source depth for this event by comparing the observed with synthetic waveforms. These results suggest that precise modeling of the shallower parts of the underground structure, such as the sedimentary wedge, are quite important for long-period ground motion simulation of the hypothetical Nankai and Tonankai earthquakes.