NEHRP Clearinghouse
- Title
- Topographic Slope as a Proxy for Seismic Site-Conditions (V(sub s)(sup 30)) and Amplification Around the Globe.
- File
- PB2008108667.pdf
- Author(s)
- Allen, T. I.; Wald, D. J.
- Source
- January 2007, 76 p.
- Identifying Number(s)
- USGS/OFR-2007-1357
- Abstract
- It is well-known that large global earthquakes can have a dramatic effect on local communities and the built environment. Moreover, ground motions amplified by surficial materials can exacerbate the situation, often making the difference between minor and major damage. For a real-time earthquake impact alert system, such as Prompt Assessment of Global Earthquakes for Response (PAGER) (Wald and others, 2006), we seek to rapidly evaluate potential ground shaking in the source region and subsequently provide an estimate of the population exposure to potentially fatal levels of ground shaking in any region of the world. The contribution of surficial geology (particularly soft sediments) to the amplification of ground shaking is an important component in predicting the levels of ground motion observed at any site. Unfortunately, the availability of information regarding seismic site-conditions is only available at a few sites around the globe.
- Keywords
- Dramatic effects; Global Earthquakes; Ground shaking; Prompt Assessment of Global Earthquakes for Response (PAGER); Seismic site conditions; Surficial geology; Built environment; Alert system; Local communities