Dynamic Characterization of Wellington, New Zealand

This project details work to characterize the subsurface of Wellington, New Zealand using surface wave methods (i.e., Multi-channel Analysis of Surface Waves [MASW] and Microtremor Array Measurements [MAM]). Shear wave velocity (Vs) profiles were developed for 15 reference locations across the city, including many at/near strong motion stations that recorded the 14 November 2016 Mw7.8 Kaikōura earthquake. This project includes the raw data files from the MASW and MAM experiments, processed experimental data in the form of Rayleigh wave dispersion with measures of uncertainty, non-unique Vs profiles from surface wave inversion, and various calculated parameters with measures of uncertainty from the Vs profiles, including the time averaged shear wave velocity in the upper 30 m (Vs30) and depth to soft (Vs > 760 m/s) and hard (Vs > 1500 m/s) rock where applicable. This data was analyzed and prepared for publication by Joseph Vantassel as part of his MSc research under supervision of Professor Brady R. Cox in the Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin in 2018. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this project are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of either NSF or EQC.