| Abstract: | A discrete wave number approach in conjunction with a propagator-based formalism is used to synthesize the Loma Prieta earthquake ground motion at both the near and the far field, taking into account all kinds of seismic waves (body and surface). A bilaterally propagating shear slip over a rectangular fault is used to describe the seismic source mechanism, while the earth model is based on geological profiles of the Santa Cruz mountain area and consists of three layers overlaying a half-space. The synthesized ground motion is first compared with actual records from the Loma Prieta earthquake and the agreement between the two is found to be satisfactory, as far as magnitude, duration and essential wave form characteristics are concerned. Then, ground motions are synthesized and plotted at a dense grid of observer locations over a large area around the epicenter, at different time instants. Using such plots, it is possible to study the generation ana propagation of different kinds of seismic waves, the spatial variability of ground motion, as well as the development of the permanent gound deformation. |
