Harnessing ambient seismic noise for advanced seismic hazard analysis
Accurately predicting variations in ground motion characteristics is essential for reliable seismic hazard analysis and the design of resilient infrastructure. Traditional site response assessments rely on earthquake recordings or controlled field experiments, but these approaches are constrained by the infrequency of seismic events and the limited coverage of monitoring networks. Dr. Kami Mohammadi’s research offers a transformative alternative: leveraging ambient vibrations – naturally occurring seismic noise generated by environmental and human activities – as a cost-effective and readily available resource for seismic hazard analysis.
In collaboration with Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Dr. Mohammadi’s work focuses on using ambient noise data and 3D physics-based seismic wave propagation modeling to address the challenges of seismic hazard assessment in data-scarce regions. By investigating the physical and statistical relationships between wavefields generated by earthquakes and those from ambient sources, this research aims to establish a robust foundation for site response analysis, particularly in areas with limited strong motion data.
“Spectral amplifications from ambient vibrations can reveal critical site characteristics,” explains Dr. Mohammadi. “Our goal is to link ambient vibrations to earthquake-induced wavefields, enabling more accurate seismic hazard assessments across diverse geological regions.”
The study builds on preliminary findings that demonstrate how ambient noise data can capture fundamental site characteristics, paving the way for a deeper understanding of wave scattering mechanisms. By developing physics-based and data-informed models, this research seeks to bridge the knowledge gap between ambient noise and earthquake wavefields, making seismic hazard analysis more precise and cost-effective even with sparse earthquake data.
The implications of this work extend far beyond LANL, offering a more accessible, accurate, and cost-effective approach to seismic hazard assessment. This advancement not only enhances our ability to predict and mitigate the impacts of seismic events but also supports infrastructure planning and earthquake preparedness on a global scale.
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