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

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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 urbanā€“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 geologicalā€“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

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