ABSTRACT This study investigated the random scattering effect in sedimentary basins with uncertain geotechnical parameters under vertical SV waves using multiplicative dimensional reduction method. The influence of the depth-to-radius ratio of basins and variability of geotechnical parameters on the random scattering effect was explored. The results indicate that the scattering in sedimentary basins significantly amplifies the uncertainty. The variability of displacement amplitude factors of basins is significantly affected by the depth-to-radius ratio of basins, providing a 2- or 3-time difference under high-frequency waves. The coefficient of variations of displacement amplitude factors has a nonlinear amplification relationship with those of geotechnical parameters.