Equations for the prediction of vertical peak and absolute acceleration spectral ordinates in terms of magnitude, source-distance and site geology are presented. Comparison to similarly derived horizontal equations shows vertical spectral values to be 1/2–1/4 of the horizontal. The influence of site geology on vertical ground motion is reduced with respect to the horizontal. Ratios of peak vertical to peak horizontal ground acceleration in the near-field of thrust faults are magnitude and distance dependent, reaching values in excess of one very near the fault of large magnitude events. For strike-slip faults the ratio exceeds one for moderate events, decreasing for larger events, and is distance independent. Spectral acceleration ratios exceed one at short periods but are less than one at intermediate and long periods, irrespective of the source mechanism.
Ambraseys et al. (Mon,) studied this question.