Publication Date

8-2021

Date of Final Oral Examination (Defense)

4-23-2021

Type of Culminating Activity

Thesis

Degree Title

Master of Science in Geophysics

Department

Geosciences

Supervisory Committee Chair

Lee M. Liberty, M.S.

Supervisory Committee Member

Dylan Mikesell, Ph.D.

Supervisory Committee Member

Brittany Brand, Ph.D.

Abstract

Large historic earthquakes, low velocity near surface sediments, a poor understanding of earthquake sources, and a growing population base for the Charleston, South Carolina area suggest robust site response and active fault maps are needed. A Boise State University team acquired 14 km of new surface-based seismic data to obtain surface wave dispersion curves and reflection images for the southern isoseismal region of the 1886 earthquake. From these data, I generate shear wave velocity (Vs)-depth profiles through a grid search approach. I integrate my results with other published data to develop a soil thickness and high frequency fundamental resonance maps for the Charleston region. From the reflection data, I identify faults that may be Quaternary active, as they are co-located with surface deformation features observed in 1886. The Boise State University rapid seismic land streamer acquisition system produces robust dispersion and reflection data that may be applicable for other areas within the Atlantic Coastal Plain, where shallow high impedance boundaries and faults that offset Tertiary strata are common.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.18122/td.1839.boisestate

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