Microtremor analysis is a valuable tool in seismic site effect estimation, as it involves measuring ambient vibrations on the Earth's surface to assess the dynamic properties of the underlying soil. This method, which is non-invasive and cost-effective, helps identify site-specific resonant frequency and amplifications that can significantly influence earthquake ground motions. By analyzing microtremor data, geophysicists can better predict how seismic waves will interact with local geology, leading to improved seismic hazard assessments and more effective design of earthquake-resistant structures. A microtremor survey from 16 measuring points was conducted at three beach front urban communities along the Gulf of Suez, Red Sea, Egypt: Namely, Ain Elsokhna, Zafarana, and Ras Ghareb cities. The recorded data was analyzed by the Horizontal to Vertical Spectral Ratio (HVSR) method to estimate the resonant frequency ( \({\text{f}}_{0}\) ) and the corresponding seismic amplitude ( \({\text{A}}_{0}\) ) at each point of observation. Microtremor data was analyzed focusing on the frequency range (0.2–20 Hz). The estimated \({\text{f}}_{0}\) is employed to calculate the thickness of superficial deposits (h) at the studied region. Additionally, the estimated values of \({\text{f}}_{0}\) and \({\text{A}}_{0}\) are used for a preliminary calculation of seismic vulnerability index (Kg), which serves as an indicator for soil liquefaction potentiality in the event of future earthquakes in the studied region. The results reveal that the parameter \({\text{f}}_{0}\) varies from 0.45 Hz to 1.47 Hz in Ras Ghareb city. Low values (less than 1.0 Hz) appear in the areas of thick unconsolidated sediments adjacent to the beach, while higher values indicate areas of thin sedimentary cover and rock sites. There are no significant variations in \({\text{f}}_{0}\) values in both Ain Elsokhna and Zafarana cities. The parameter \({\text{A}}_{0}\) reaches its max 5.3, 5.0, and 6.8 in Ain Elsokhna, Zafarana, and Ras Ghareb, respectively. The thickness of unconsolidated sediments (h) varies between 51 and 286 m in Ras Ghareb city, and between 124 and 180 m in Ain Elsokhna city. While in Zafarana city, h is 45 m without change in the whole area. The maximum Kg (92.5 μstrain/gal) is reported in Ras Ghareb city, indicating potentiality of soil liquefaction from future earthquakes in the area. Comparing these findings with the geological setup of the studied region demonstrates a good consistency between them. This study marks a key step in future seismic hazard assessment for the Gulf of Suez, helping to protect infrastructure and improve earthquake resilience.

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Determination of Site Effects Along the Western Red Sea Coast Using Microtremor Measurements

  • Mostafa Toni,
  • Abd el-aziz Khairy Abd el-aal,
  • Gad E. A. Mohamed

摘要

Microtremor analysis is a valuable tool in seismic site effect estimation, as it involves measuring ambient vibrations on the Earth's surface to assess the dynamic properties of the underlying soil. This method, which is non-invasive and cost-effective, helps identify site-specific resonant frequency and amplifications that can significantly influence earthquake ground motions. By analyzing microtremor data, geophysicists can better predict how seismic waves will interact with local geology, leading to improved seismic hazard assessments and more effective design of earthquake-resistant structures. A microtremor survey from 16 measuring points was conducted at three beach front urban communities along the Gulf of Suez, Red Sea, Egypt: Namely, Ain Elsokhna, Zafarana, and Ras Ghareb cities. The recorded data was analyzed by the Horizontal to Vertical Spectral Ratio (HVSR) method to estimate the resonant frequency ( \({\text{f}}_{0}\) ) and the corresponding seismic amplitude ( \({\text{A}}_{0}\) ) at each point of observation. Microtremor data was analyzed focusing on the frequency range (0.2–20 Hz). The estimated \({\text{f}}_{0}\) is employed to calculate the thickness of superficial deposits (h) at the studied region. Additionally, the estimated values of \({\text{f}}_{0}\) and \({\text{A}}_{0}\) are used for a preliminary calculation of seismic vulnerability index (Kg), which serves as an indicator for soil liquefaction potentiality in the event of future earthquakes in the studied region. The results reveal that the parameter \({\text{f}}_{0}\) varies from 0.45 Hz to 1.47 Hz in Ras Ghareb city. Low values (less than 1.0 Hz) appear in the areas of thick unconsolidated sediments adjacent to the beach, while higher values indicate areas of thin sedimentary cover and rock sites. There are no significant variations in \({\text{f}}_{0}\) values in both Ain Elsokhna and Zafarana cities. The parameter \({\text{A}}_{0}\) reaches its max 5.3, 5.0, and 6.8 in Ain Elsokhna, Zafarana, and Ras Ghareb, respectively. The thickness of unconsolidated sediments (h) varies between 51 and 286 m in Ras Ghareb city, and between 124 and 180 m in Ain Elsokhna city. While in Zafarana city, h is 45 m without change in the whole area. The maximum Kg (92.5 μstrain/gal) is reported in Ras Ghareb city, indicating potentiality of soil liquefaction from future earthquakes in the area. Comparing these findings with the geological setup of the studied region demonstrates a good consistency between them. This study marks a key step in future seismic hazard assessment for the Gulf of Suez, helping to protect infrastructure and improve earthquake resilience.