eISSN: 3023-3267 editor@aimjournals.com
All Journals
Submit your article

Critique Open Research & Review

Open Access Peer Review International
Open Access

Seismic Microzonation and Earthquake Vulnerability Mapping of the Coastal West Semarang Region, Indonesia Using HVSR-Based Microtremor Technique and Site Response Characterization

DOI
PDF
Dr. Oliver Thompson 1 , Dr. Charlotte Brown 1 ,
4 Department of Artificial Intelligence University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
4 School of Economics University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK

Abstract

Coastal West Semarang, Indonesia, is a densely populated urban–coastal transition zone characterized by thick alluvial deposits, rapid urbanization, and significant exposure to seismic hazards originating from regional tectonic sources in Java. This study presents a detailed seismic microzonation and earthquake vulnerability assessment using the Horizontal-to-Vertical Spectral Ratio (HVSR) method applied to microtremor data, integrated with site response characterization and geological–geotechnical interpretation. The HVSR approach is employed to estimate fundamental resonance frequency, seismic amplification, and spatial variability of subsurface conditions. The theoretical foundation is strongly aligned with the conceptual framework proposed by (Nakamura, 2008), which establishes HVSR as a robust non-invasive technique for evaluating site effects in sedimentary environments.

The study integrates geophysical observations with regional seismic hazard data, including geological mapping and prior microzonation studies in the Semarang coastal region. Results indicate strong spatial heterogeneity in sediment response, with low-frequency amplification zones concentrated in alluvial and reclaimed coastal areas, indicating higher seismic vulnerability. The findings highlight the importance of integrating microtremor-based HVSR analysis with geospatial interpretation for urban seismic risk reduction. The study contributes to improved earthquake preparedness strategies and supports land-use planning in coastal urban environments.

Keywords

Seismic microzonation, HVSR, microtremor analysis, earthquake vulnerability

References

Adib A, Afzal P and Heydarzadeh K 2014 Site Effect Classification Based on Microtremor Data Analysis Using a Concentration-Area Fractal Model. Nonlinear Processes in Geophysics, 22, 53-63. Corpenicus Publications on behalf of the European Geosciences Union and the American Geophysical Union.
Blake W, Leighton F and Duvall W I 1974 Microseismic Techniques for Monitoring The Behavior of Rock Structures. United States Departement of The Interior Washington D C.
Claprood M, Asten M W and Kristek J 2011 Bulletin of the Seismological Society of American 101 2 826-847.
Ehsani N, Ghaemghamian M R, Faslavi M and Haghshenas E 2015 Estimation of Subsurface Structure Using Microtremor in Karaj City Iran. 10th Asian Regional Conference of IAEG.
Gatot Y and U. Harmoko 2011 HVSR frequency peak correlation with objects buried in the sediment layer. Proceedings of the National Seminar on Research, Education and Application of Mathematics and Natural Sciences Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Yogyakarta State University, May 14, 2011.
Gatot Y, W Suryanto, U Harmoko, SB Kirbani and Waluyo, 2012, The Dynamics of The Ocean Bottom Sediment Beneath OBS 9 MERAMEX Station in July 2004 Using HVSR Analysis, IJBAS-IJENS Volume 12 number 06.
Irham, MN, Zainuri, M, Yuliyanto, G, Wirasatria, A, 2023, Microzonation For Earthquake Hazards With Hvsr Microtremor Method In The Coastal Areas Of Semarang, Indonesia, Geographia Technica, Vol. 18, Issue 1, 2023, pp 177 to 188.
Lachet C and Bard P Y 1994, Numerical and Theoretical Investigations on the Possibilities and Limitations of Nakamura's Technique,Journal of Physics of the Earth 42 (5) pp. 377–397.
Mala H U, Susilo A and Sunaryo 2015, Natural B Journal 3 1.
Nakamura Y 2000 Clear Identification of Fundamental Idea of Nakamura’s Technique and Its Application The 12nd Word Conference on Earthquake Engineering Tokyo Japan
Nakamura Y 2000 Clear Identification of Fundamental Idea of Nakamura’s Technique and Its Application The 12nd Word Conference on Earthquake Engineering Tokyo Japan.
Nakamura Y 2008 On The H/V Spectrum. The 14th World Conference on Earthquake Engineering Beijing China.
Nguyen F, Teerlynck H, Van Rompaey G, Van Camp M, Jongmans D and Camelbeeck T 2004 Earthquake.Journal of Seismology 8 1 41-56 20
PVMBG 2010 Map of Earthquake Hazard Areas in Central Java Province Bandung.
Partono W, Masyhur I, Prabandiyani S R W and Maarif S 2013 Comparison of Soil Amplification Factor Value with SSA and HVSR Approaches in Tembalang District, Semarang City 34 3.
Partono W, Irsyam M, Wardani S P R and Maarif S 2015 Engineering Journal Diponegoro University.
Petermans T, Delveeschouwer X, Pouriel F, Rosset P 2006 Proceedings of the 10th IAEG congress Nottingham.
Poedjoprajitno S, Wahyudiono J and Cita A 2008 Indonesian Journal of Geology 3 3 129-138
Putra R R, Kiyono J, Ono Y and Parajuli H R 2012 Journal of Natural Disaster Science 33 2 Page 59-70.
Reynolds M J 1997 An Introduction to Applied and Environmental Geophysics. John Wiley & Sons Ltd. England.
Soehemi A, Sopyan Y, Marjiyono 2006 Seismotectonic Map of Yogyakarta - Semarang Region, scale 1: 450,000. Geological Survey Center. Bandung.
Thanden R E, Sumadirdja H, Richards P W, Sutisna K and Amen T C 1996. Geology Map Sheets Magelang and Semarang, Java. Geological Survey Center. Bandung

Most read articles by the same author(s)

<< < 1 2 3 > >> 

Similar Articles

1-10 of 24

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.