Combining SH- and P-wave seismic reflection survey to support seismic response analysis. A case study from Cavezzo (Italy) after the 2012 Emilia earthquake

In some geological settings, such as thick sedimentary basins, the deeper layers may also significantly contribute to the amplification of the ground motion during an earthquake, particularly at low frequencies. To properly quantify the influence of the deeper geology on the seismic ground motion at the surface, the use of indirect geophysical exploration techniques is particularly suitable, as it can produce realistic representations of the subsoil structure over a large range of depths. This paper focuses on the acquisition and processing of combined shear- (S) and compressional-wave (P) seismic reflection data to obtain an accurate geological/geophysical model with reliable seismic velocities for local-scale seismic site response studies, as needed for hazard assessment and calculation of earthquake scenarios. As an application case, we focus on a microzonation study performed for the Cavezzo municipality in Northern Italy. The investigated site is located in the epicentral area of the 2012 Emilia earthquake in the Po Valley, which is a typical deep sediment-filled basin. Specifically, in this study we were able to: (1) confirm the advantages of reflection seismic prospecting for soft-sediment basin characterization; (2) evaluate the resolution of S- and P-wave signals and their depth of penetration; (3) improve the knowledge on the geological structure of the Cavezzo area by measuring S- and P-wave interval velocities in Plio-Quaternary formations.

Automated summary

In some geological settings, deeper layers can significantly amplify ground motion during earthquakes, especially at low frequencies. Indirect geophysical exploration techniques are suitable for accurately quantifying the influence of deeper geology on seismic ground motion, as they can provide realistic representations of subsoil structure at various depths. This study focuses on acquiring and processing combined shear- and compressional-wave seismic reflection data to obtain a reliable geological/geophysical model with accurate seismic velocities. It demonstrates the advantages of reflection seismic prospecting for characterizing soft-sediment basins and improving knowledge of the geological structure of the study area.