Validation of 1D Earthquake Site Characterization Methods with Observed Earthquake Site Amplification in Alberta, Canada

Research Article| November 21, 2017 Validation of 1D Earthquake Site Characterization Methods with Observed Earthquake Site Amplification in Alberta, Canada Joseph J. Farrugia; Joseph J. Farrugia aDepartment of Earth Sciences, Western University, 1151 Richmond Street, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 3K7, jfarrugi@uwo.ca Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Gail M. Atkinson; Gail M. Atkinson aDepartment of Earth Sciences, Western University, 1151 Richmond Street, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 3K7, jfarrugi@uwo.ca Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Sheri Molnar Sheri Molnar aDepartment of Earth Sciences, Western University, 1151 Richmond Street, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 3K7, jfarrugi@uwo.ca Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information Joseph J. Farrugia aDepartment of Earth Sciences, Western University, 1151 Richmond Street, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 3K7, jfarrugi@uwo.ca Gail M. Atkinson aDepartment of Earth Sciences, Western University, 1151 Richmond Street, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 3K7, jfarrugi@uwo.ca Sheri Molnar aDepartment of Earth Sciences, Western University, 1151 Richmond Street, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 3K7, jfarrugi@uwo.ca Publisher: Seismological Society of America First Online: 21 Nov 2017 Online Issn: 1943-3573 Print Issn: 0037-1106 © Seismological Society of America Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America (2018) 108 (1): 291–308. https://doi.org/10.1785/0120170148 Article history First Online: 21 Nov 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Joseph J. Farrugia, Gail M. Atkinson, Sheri Molnar; Validation of 1D Earthquake Site Characterization Methods with Observed Earthquake Site Amplification in Alberta, Canada. Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America 2017;; 108 (1): 291–308. doi: https://doi.org/10.1785/0120170148 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyBulletin of the Seismological Society of America Search Advanced Search Abstract A marked increase in seismic activity related to oil and gas development in Alberta, Canada, over the past decade has highlighted interest in quantifying earthquake ground‐shaking hazard in the province. In this study, we use station‐average horizontal‐to‐vertical spectral ratios (⁠HVSR‾s) calculated from earthquake and microtremor recordings to establish three empirical amplification functions (models) for site amplification at seismic stations in Alberta based on the site surficial geology. Two of the amplification functions are developed for general soil and muskeg (very soft soil) ground conditions; these functions depend on the frequency of maximum amplification (⁠fpeak⁠), which is either derived from a curve fitted to empirical seismic station HVSR‾s (i.e., fpeak⁠), or calculated based on regional depth‐to‐bedrock (sediment thickness) estimates. The third amplification function is developed for general rock site conditions and has a fixed dependence on frequency. Softer ground conditions are characteristic of the largest observed amplification ratios.Another significant finding is that HVSRs derived from the rapid low‐cost microtremor survey method can be used to provide a valid measure of earthquake site amplification in Alberta's geologic setting. Last, we find that for sites with available shallow VS profile information, theoretical amplification ratios calculated from composite shear‐wave velocity (⁠VS⁠) profiles are largely consistent with inferences based on empirical earthquake HVSR‾s. This provides support for the utility of site‐specific VS profiling. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.