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The Propagation and Amplification of Surface Waves

Citation

Bowden, Daniel Craig (2018) The Propagation and Amplification of Surface Waves. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/Z9DR2SPR. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:04222018-154136913

Abstract

The observation of surface waves from cross-correlations of ambient noise has proven to be an invaluable tool for the recovery of seismic travel times. Such techniques allow the construction of 3D velocity models and subsequent geologic interpretations in regions where tomography would otherwise be difficult due to the paucity of seismicity and short seismic array deployment times. One such model is developed here for offshore southern California using an array of Ocean Bottom Seismometers to better understand the tectonic history of the region.

However, for accurate hazard evaluation, characterizations of the spatial variability of ground motion amplitudes are also desired. Unfortunately, the amplitudes from noise cross-correlations are systematically biased by the spatial-, frequency- and temporal variability of noise sources. We demonstrate in this thesis that an ambient-noise based wavefront tracking technique using an array of stations can recover site-amplification and attenuation estimates successfully and robustly. This is applied on two different scales: to a very dense array of more than 5,000 geophones in the city of Long Beach, CA, and in a broader, continental scale to instruments from the USArray.

Finally, we discuss the propagation of surface waves in relation to seismic hazard and site characterization. We point out that the amplitude response and peak frequency of ground motion will be different for a given site, depending on the type of wave being considered. This work should be considered by any future seismic hazard evaluation where surface waves may cause damage.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:Seismic Surface Waves; Seismic Hazard; Tomography
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Geological and Planetary Sciences
Major Option:Geophysics
Awards:Demetriades-Tsafka-Kokkalis Prize in Seismo-Engineering, Prediction, and Protection, 2018.
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Tsai, Victor C.
Thesis Committee:
  • Stock, Joann M. (chair)
  • Tsai, Victor C.
  • Clayton, Robert W.
  • Heaton, Thomas H.
Defense Date:4 April 2018
Non-Caltech Author Email:dcbowden (AT) gmail.com
Funders:
Funding AgencyGrant Number
NSFOCE-0825254
NSFEAR-1252191
NSFEAR-1214912
NSFEAR-1453263
USGSG14AP00074
NSFCyberSEES-1442665
SCECSCEC-15035
Record Number:CaltechTHESIS:04222018-154136913
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:04222018-154136913
DOI:10.7907/Z9DR2SPR
Related URLs:
URLURL TypeDescription
https://doi.org/10.1002/2016JB012919DOIArticle adapted for Ch. 2
https://doi.org/10.1002/2014GL062662DOIArticle adapted for Ch. 3
https://doi.org/10.1002/2017JB014804DOIArticle adapted for Ch. 4
https://doi.org/10.1002/2016GL071885DOIArticle adapted for Ch. 5
ORCID:
AuthorORCID
Bowden, Daniel Craig0000-0003-3332-5146
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:10827
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Daniel Bowden
Deposited On:26 Apr 2018 18:24
Last Modified:12 Nov 2021 20:18

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