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Passive Seismic Data Collected for the Horizontal-to-Vertical Spectral Ratio (HVSR) Method, Pinnacles National Park, California, 2018-2020

May 17, 2021

This dataset contains passive seismic data collected using a three-component seismometer during 2018-2020 at Pinnacles National Park, California. The data were acquired for the purpose of estimating depth to the bedrock surface underlying alluvial deposits, using the horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) technique. Data were collected along ten transects, with 3 to 14 points collected along each transect, and at the locations of 6 existing or abandoned wells. A total of 81 passive seismic measurements were collected and the raw data are included in this dataset. The passive seismic data record ambient seismic noise in the range of approximately 0.1 to 1 Hertz (Hz), which is caused by ocean waves, large regional storms, and tectonic sources. The HVSR method analyzes the spectral ratio of the vertical and horizontal components of the passive seismic data to determine the fundamental seismic resonance frequency (f0), which is induced in unconsolidated sediments when there is a substantial contrast (greater than 2 to 1 ratio) in shear-wave acoustic impedance between these sediments and the bedrock. The thickness of the sediments is a function of f0.

Publication Year 2021
Title Passive Seismic Data Collected for the Horizontal-to-Vertical Spectral Ratio (HVSR) Method, Pinnacles National Park, California, 2018-2020
DOI 10.5066/P9AMDH71
Authors Claire Tiedeman, Paul A Hsieh
Product Type Data Release
Record Source USGS Digital Object Identifier Catalog
USGS Organization Water Resources Mission Area - Headquarters