Reproduction of seismic waves caused by large sediment movements: Results of model experiments

Abstract

Seismic sensor networks detect ground vibrations caused by the movement of large masses, predominantly at low frequencies of 1-3 Hz. We modeled sediment flow down a slope and measured ground vibrations in cases with and without a concrete wall at the end of the slope. The sediment weight, amount of water, and presence of iron balls were varied, and the waveform and amplitude spectrum were analyzed. As a basic, small-scale experiment, physical dissimilarities were not adjusted for. Nevertheless, the ground vibration amplitude and low-frequency waves mimicked real-world seismic vibrations.