Key elements of regional seismic velocity models for long period ground motion simulations

• DOI: 10.1007/s10950-007-9061-3
• Publication Date: 2007-08-20T11:38:20Z
• Authors: Thomas M. Brocher
• Keywords: Strong ground motion; Shear waves; Wave velocity; Seismic velocity; Shear velocity

Regional 3-D seismic velocity models used for broadband strong motion simulations must include compressional-wave velocity (Vp), shear-wave velocity (Vs), intrinsic attenuation (Qp, Qs), and density. Vs and Qs are the most important of these parameters because the strongest ground motions are generated chiefly by shear- and surface-wave arrivals. Because Vp data are more common than Vs data, many researchers first develop a Vp model and convert it to a Vs model. I describe recent empirical relations between Vs, Vp, Qs, Qp, and density that allow velocity models to be rapidly and accurately calculated.