Microzonation of Probolinggo Fault Using Microtremor as an Effort for Earthquake Disaster Mitigation

Earthquake can be caused by several things, one of which is due to an active fault. To mitigate earthquake disasters that can be caused by the Probolinggo Fault, measurement of the microtremor geophysical method is carried out to analyze seismic vulnerability. In this study, the microtremor measurements were carried out on 30 measurement points. The data obtained from measurements are then processed using EasyHVSR software to obtain natural frequency (f0) and natural amplification (A0) values. This value is then used to create a microtremor microzonation map, which is seismic vulnerability index, based on natural frequency and amplification . it founded that low natural frequency mostly founded on eastern of measurement area, caused by thick sedimentary from Lamongan volcanic. High amplification mostly founded from middle to western area, and high seismic vulnerability index founded on western of measurement area, include Maron and Krucil Sub-district. It means seismic wave can very destructive on those area.

Student Zone

A student training program, Engineering Seismology and Seismic Microzonation for Seismic Site Effects Assessment, was held 18–22 January 2020 in Lalitpur, Nepal. It was created through the collaboration of Thammasat University and Tribhuvan University, with support from Geoscientists Without Borders® (GWB). The goal of the program was to connect students with modern geophysical instrumentation and software through training. It specifically advanced theoretical and hands-on field-based knowledge pertaining to geotechnical earthquake engineering aspects and applications. The training served as part of a broader GWB project, Seismic Site Effects Study in Nepal, encompassing basin geometry, site characteristics, and the study of seismic site effects through microtremor measurements in Kathmandu Valley.

A workflow to discern 1D and 2D ground resonances with single-station microtremor measurements

<p>Measuring ground resonances is of great importance for seismic site amplification studies. The task is usually addressed with the common H/V (horizontal to vertical spectral ratio) approach, which is widely used for both microzonation studies and stratigraphic imaging. Peaks on the H/V function are used to identify ground resonance frequencies, usually assuming 1D site conditions, i.e. with plane-parallel stratigraphy. In the simple case of a horizontal soft layer overlying a bedrock, 1D resonance is linked to the local bedrock depth (as a function of the shear wave velocity of the sediment layer). Therefore, when the 1D approximation holds, spatial variations of the resonance frequency reflect changes of bedrock depth (when lateral homogeneity of the sediment cover can be assumed). However, at sites with non-plane subsurface geometries, more complex resonance patterns may develop, such as 2D resonance patterns that typically occur within sediment-filled valleys. In this case, 2D resonance involves simultaneous vibration of the whole sedimentary infill at the same frequency, which may lead to large seismic amplification. 2D ground resonances can no longer be linked to the local depth-to-bedrock directly below the measurement site, but depend on the whole valley geometry and mechanic properties. Distinguishing between the 1D and 2D nature of a site is mandatory to avoid wrong stratigraphic and dynamic interpretations, which is in turn extremely relevant for seismic site response assessment.</p><p>We investigated the problem in the Bolzano sedimentary basin (Northern Italy), which lies at the intersection between three valleys, using a single-station microtremor approach, the same usually applied for H/V surveys. We observed that the footprints of 1D and 2D resonances reside in different behaviors along the three components of motion. This is because, while the dynamic behavior of a 1D-site is the same along all horizontal directions, 2D resonances differ along the longitudinal and transversal directions of the resonating body, e.g. parallel and perpendicular to the valley axis. In addition, 2D resonance modes involve also a vertical component. This implies that the H/V method, by mixing the information along the three components, is not suitable to detect 2D resonances, that can be acknowledged only by looking at the individual spectral components and not at the H/V curves alone.</p><p>By analyzing several hundred single-station microtremor measurements, we identified a list of frequency and amplitude features that characterize 1D and 2D resonances on individual spectral components of motion and on H/V ratios, on a single measurement and on several measurements acquired along profiles across the investigated valleys. We identified valleys characterized by 1D-only, 1D+2D and 2D-only resonance patterns and we propose a workflow scheme to conduct experimental measurements and data analysis in order to directly assess the 1D or 2D resonance nature of a site with a single-station approach, rather than evaluating this indirectly with numerical modelling.</p>

Earthquake-induced liquefaction in the coastal zone, Case of Martil city, Morocco

According to historical documents and Moroccan earthquakes catalogs, the coastal zone has suffered in the past from several earthquakes. Understanding how sedimentary basins respond to seismic-wave energy generated by earthquake events is a significant concern for seismic-hazard estimation and risk analysis. The main goal of this study is to determine the distribution of the natural frequency value (F), the amplification factor value (A), and the soil vulnerability index (Kg) were carried out as an indicator for liquefaction potential sites in the Martil city based on the microtremor measurements. Liquefaction assessment was done at 96 stations using the HVSR approach provided by Nakamura (1989). According to the analysis results, the predominant frequency values range from about 0.31 to 5.63 Hz, and the amplification factor values range from 3 to 15. Based on these parameters, the vulnerability index Kg is determined, which can be used as a parameter in calculating the liquefaction potential of an area. This study shows supporting evidence for the first time that the HVSR of microtremors can be an excellent alternative indicator for an area's potential for liquefaction.