Shear Wave Velocity Characteristics in Parts of Muscat, Sultanate of Oman — A Measure of Earthquake Hazard Assessment

Shear-wave velocity-depth information plays a significant role in assessing earthquake hazard of any region. Further, it is required for most investigations of ground motion response to earthquakes in areas where significant soil cover exists. The thickness and velocity of geologic formations are the vital parameters above the bedrock that affect the frequency band of the ground motion that may be strongly amplified by the local site conditions. In view of this, shear-wave velocity assumes great importance in earthquake hazard assessment studies. The characteristics of shear-wave velocity profile were determined by multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW) technique in as many as 99 sites over different geological units in parts of Muscat city in order to evaluate probable hazard if any. The variations of shear wave velocity down to depths of 5 m, 10 m, 15 m and 30 m, respectively are presented. However, the average shear wave velocities calculated down to a depth of 30 m (VS30) vary between 345 m/s and 1197 m/s. The high range of shear-wave velocity almost rules out the liquefaction potential due to earthquakes of moderate to high magnitude.