Field Investigation of Topographic Effects using Mine Seismicity: Phase I

Topographic effects refer to the modification and amplification of seismic ground motion in the vicinity of topographic features such as hillsides, ridges, and canyons. This well-documented phenomenon has yet to be addressed in design codes. In this experiment, a locally-dense array of seismic sensors were setup over several natural topographic features above the underground coal mining activities of Deer Creek Coal Mine in central-eastern Utah with the goal of recording ground motions from frequent and predictable mining-induced seismicity. This experiment details the pilot field study performed in June of 2010.