U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey

Open-File Report 2014–1264

Prepared in cooperation with Geosciences Australia

Shear-Wave Velocity and Site-Amplification Factors for 

50 Australian Sites Determined by the Spectral Analysis of 

Surface Waves Method

Shear-Wave Velocity and Site-Amplification Factors for 

50 Australian Sites Determined by the Spectral Analysis of 

Surface Waves Method

By Robert E. Kayen, Brad A. Carkin, Trevor Allen, Clive Collins, Andrew McPherson, and Diane Minasian

Prepared in cooperation with Geosciences Australia 

Open-File Report 2014–1264

U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey
U.S. Department of the Interior

SALLY JEWELL, Secretary

U.S. Geological Survey

Suzette M. Kimball, Acting Director

U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia: 2015 

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Suggested citation:

Kayen, R.E., Carkin, B.A., Allen, T., Collins, C., McPherson, A., and Minasian, D., 2015, Shear-wave velocity and 

site-amplification factors for 50 Australian sites determined by the spectral analysis of surface waves method: U.S. 

Geological Survey Open-File Report 2014-1264, 118 p., http:/dx.doi.org/10.3133/ofr20141264. 

ISSN 2331-1258 (online)
iii

Contents

Abstract ..............................................................................................................................................................1

Introduction.........................................................................................................................................................1

Study Sites .........................................................................................................................................................2

Analysis of Rayleigh Wave Spectrum............................................................................................................... 11

Inversion of the VS Profile ................................................................................................................................. 15

Results.............................................................................................................................................................. 16

Resources ........................................................................................................................................................ 17

Acknowledgments............................................................................................................................................. 17

References Cited.............................................................................................................................................. 17

Appendix A. Site Summaries Ordered by USGS Site Identifier ........................................................................ 19

Figures

Figure 1. Spectral analysis of surface waves test sites visited in Perth and eastern rangeland, Western 

Australia, 2006................................................................................................................................................... 4

Figure 2. Spectral analysis of surface waves test sites visited in the Adelaide area and Flinders Range, 

South Australia, 2006 ........................................................................................................................................ 5

Figure 3. Spectral analysis of surface waves test sites visited in south central Victoria, 2010. ........................ 6

Figure 4. Spectral analysis of surface waves test sites visited in the Gippsland Basin, and Latrobe Valley, 

Victoria, 2010..................................................................................................................................................... 7

Figure 5. Spectral analysis of surface waves test sites visited in southern New South Wales and 

northern Victoria, 2006 ...................................................................................................................................... 8

Figure 6. Spectral analysis of surface waves test sites visited in the greater Sydney region, New South 

Wales, 2006 and 2010....................................................................................................................................... 9

Figure 7. Spectral analysis of surface waves test sites visited in Sydney and suburbs, New South Wales, 

2010................................................................................................................................................................. 10

Figure 8. Spectral analysis of surface waves test sites visited in the Newcastle area, 

New South Wales, 2010 .................................................................................................................................. 11

Figure 9. Brad Carkin, U.S. Geological Survey (left), and David Love, South Australia (right), testing surface 

waves with two parallel-arrayed electromechanical shakers (left), and 1-Hertz sensor arrays, at USGS site 

244NAP, Napperby, South Australia................................................................................................................ 12

Table

Table 1. Sites tested in Australia in 2006 and 2010 .......................................................................................... 2
iv

Conversion Factors

International System of Units to Inch/Pound

Multiply By To obtain

Length

meter (m) 3.281 foot (ft) 

kilometer (km) 0.6214 mile (mi)

Flow rate

meter per second (m/s) 3.281 foot per second (ft/s) 
1

Shear-Wave Velocity and Site-Amplification Factors for 50

Australian Sites Determined by the Spectral Analysis of 

Surface Waves Method

By Robert E. Kayen, Brad A. Carkin, Trevor Allen, Clive Collins, Andrew McPherson, and Diane Minasian

Abstract

One-dimensional shear-wave velocity (VS) profiles are presented at 50 strong motion sites in 

New South Wales and Victoria, Australia. The VS profiles are estimated with the spectral analysis of 

surface waves (SASW) method. The SASW method is a noninvasive method that indirectly estimates 

the VS at depth from variations in the Rayleigh wave phase velocity at the surface. 

Introduction

This project focuses on the measurement of shear-wave velocity (VS) of the near-surface 

materials at strong motion recording stations in Australia. During two measurement periods, data were 

collected in the states of Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales. These 

states are only regionally instrumented with permanent seismometer recording stations, although these 

stations have been supplemented with more closely spaced temporary aftershock recorders in response 

to local seismic activity. The VS profiles presented in this report are useful for calibration of siteamplification models based on direct measurement of velocity, by topography, or by surface geologic 

unit. Data presented here were collected using the continuous sine wave source spectral analysis of 

surface waves (CSS-SASW) test presented by Kayen and others (2004), which is a stepped-sine wave 

notch-filtered methodology that improves on the approach of Satoh and others (1991). CSS-SASW is an 

inexpensive and efficient means of non-invasively estimating the near-surface VS of the ground. 

Although it is possible to measure VS in cased boreholes or during penetration tests, these approaches 

tend not to be useful for evaluation of Australian strong motion sites as they can not reach the 

meaningful depths required for seismic site response analysis without expensive drilling and casing. 

Because many of the Australian sites are stiff saprolitic profiles of in-place weathered rock, penetration 

methods are not useful. 
2

Study Sites

The VS profiles presented in this report are for local site conditions in regions within four States 

in Australia (table 1). Between June 9 and June 13, 2006, testing was done in Western Australia at the 

Cadoux seismic zone and at Perth. We tested in South Australia at sites in and near the Flinders Range, 

at Adelaide, and in the Clare Valley (June 15–18, 2006). Testing was done near Albury in Victoria and 

in the Blue Mountains in New South Wales (June 21–23, 2006). Finally, we tested in the greater 

Sydney-Bowral region at four Hawkesbury sandstone sites (June 24–27, 2006). In 2010, a second 

measurement period focused primarily on specific geologic settings of the Gippsland Basin, Latrobe 

Valley, and Melbourne Basin regions of Victoria (May 24–29, 2010). A dense urban microzonation of 

units beneath Newcastle, New South Wales, was collected from May 20 to May 22, 2010, and a 

similarly dense suite of sites was tested at Botany Bay south of Sydney, New South Wales, from May 

15 to May 19, 2010.

Table 1. Sites tested in Australia in 2006 and 2010.

[Columns (left to right) record (1) the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) station name; (2) Geosciences Australia seismometer 

station; (3) region and State; (4) date of data collection; (5) latitude (LAT); (6) longitude (LONG); (7) site parameter VS30, defined as 30 meters divided by the shear-wave travel time to 30 meters depth, in meter per second (m/s); and (8) National 

Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) site classifications. Abbreviations: NSW, New South Wales; SA, South 

Australia; WA, Western Australia]

USGS 

site Australia site ID Location Date tested LAT LONG

Vs30

(m/s)

NEHRP

code

236CMC CMC Cadoux, WA June 10, 2006 -30.79102 117.0963 474 C

237BK5 BK5 Burakin, WA June 11, 2006 -30.5194 117.12187 565 C

238PIG2 PIG2 Macardy Hill, WA June 11, 2006 -30.84753 116.79184 1232 B

239PIG3 PIG3 Bolgart, WA June 12, 2006 -31.31517 116.48366 1101 B

240CARL CARL Carlisle WA June 13, 2006 -31.977 115.916 338 D

241SDN SDN Sedan, SA June 15, 2006 -34.5093 139.3374 1026 B

242FR14 FR14 Flinders Ranges, SA June 16, 2006 -33.4709 138.5757 725 B

243FR13 FR13 Flinders Ranges, SA June 16, 2006 -33.1249 138.5683 1652 A

244NAP NAP Napperby, SA June 17, 2006 -33.184 138.145 893 B

245GHS GHS Adelaide, SA June 18, 2006 -34.92077 138.6001 257 D

246DTM DTM Dartmouth Dam, Victoria June 21, 2006 -36.5293 147.469 659 C

247LGT LGT Lightning Creek, Victoria June 21, 2006 -36.7633 147.464 458 C

248DRA DRA Dora Dora, NSW June 22, 2006 -35.9654 147.375 1148 B

249BJE BJE Burrinjuck Dam, NSW June 23, 2006 -34.9505 148.646 1194 B

250TAL TAL Tallowa, NSW June 24, 2006 -34.7709 150.381 643 C

251NAT NAT Nattai, NSW June 24, 2006 -34.2061 150.427 804 B

252KAT KAT Katoomba, NSW June 25, 2006 -33.8531 150.4076 536 C

253LUC LUC Lucas Heights, NSW June 27, 2006 -34.05181 150.97958 728 B
3

USGS 

site Australia site ID Location Date tested LAT LONG

Vs30

(m/s)

NEHRP

code

355BOT Botany microtrem 305006 Latham Park, Sydney, NSW April 15, 2010 -33.93479 151.25119 543 C 

356BOT Botany microtrem 301016 Snape Park, Sydney, NSW April 16, 2010 -33.93572 151.2332 289 D

357BOT Botany microtrem 301027 David Phillips Sports Field, 

Daceyville, NSW

April 16, 2010 -33.9313 151.2247 274 D

358BOT Botany microtrem 301035 Kimberley Grove sidewalk, 

Sydney, NSW

April 16, 2010 -33.91608 151.208491 314 D

359RIV Riverview ANSN (Geol. 

Unit Rh)

Saint Ignatius' College, 

Riverview, NSW

April 17, 2010 -33.8277 151.1591 768 B

360BOT Botany microtrem 305054 Booralee Park, Botany, NSW April 17, 2010 -33.93928 151.20146 253 D

361BOT Botany microtrem 304052 Sir Joseph Banks Park, Botany, 

NSW

April 17, 2010 -33.9556 151.20241 250 D

362BOT Botany microtrem 30036 Botany Golf Club, Botany, 

NSW

April 19, 2010 -33.9585 151.20706 314 D

363NEW Wik-01 SCPT-36.0 m Wickham Park, Newcastle, 

NSW

April 20, 2010 -32.9189 151.7556 177 E 

364NEW Iso-01 SCPT-15.0 m Islington Park, Newcastle, 

NSW

April 20, 2010 -32.91053 151.74651 246 D

365NEW North Lambton DepotJUMP ES&SNorth Lambton, Newcastle, 

NSW

April 20, 2010 -32.90133 151.70391 302 D 

366NEW Brd-04 SCPT site-26.7 m Smith Park, Broadmeadow, 

Newcastle, NSW

April 20, 2010 -32.91661 151.73515 188 D

367NEW Brd-09 SCPT site-11.5 m Beaumont Park, 

Broadmeadow, Newcastle, 

NSW

April 21, 2010 -32.9343 151.7402 270 D

368NEW Mer-05 SCPT site-6.8 m Henderson Park, Merewether, 

Newcastle, NSW

April 21, 2010 -32.93837 151.73731 360 D

369MNG Mangrove Creek ANSN Mangrove Creek Dam, NSW April 21, 2010 -33.2094 151.1093 970 B

370LYG Latrobe HHF-Loy Yang Loy Yang, Gippsland, Victoria April 23, 2010 -38.26627 146.50835 290 D

371RSD Latrobe alluviumRosedaleRosedale, Gippsland, Victoria April 24, 2010 -38.14317 146.79073 273 D

372TGS Latrobe HHF-Toongabbie 

South

Toongabbie, Gippsland, 

Victoria

April 24, 2010 -38.11883 146.63242 274 D

373TGB Latrobe HHF-Toongabbie Toongabbie, Gippsland, 

Victoria

April 24, 2010 -38.02631 146.66515 282 D

374NAM Latrobe HHF-Nambrok 

West

Nambrok, Gippsland, Victoria April 24, 2010 -38.05449 146.83669 273 D

375GFW Pleistocene dunes Giffard 

West

Giffard West, Victoria April 25, 2010 -38.37931 146.99754 310 D 

376LNF Latrobe HHF-Kilmany Kilmany/Sale, Victoria April 25, 2010 -38.10309 146.95038 323 D

377LNF Latrobe alluviumLongfordLongford, Gipsland, Victoria April 25, 2010 -38.16047 147.05964 218 D

378YLN Latrobe alluviumYallourn NorthMaryvale, Gippsland, Victoria April 26, 2010 -38.16361 146.4067 134 E

379GLG Latrobe alluviumGlengarryGlengarry, Gippsland, Victoria April 26, 2010 -38.16161 146.5567 270 D

380HYF Thomson alluviumHeyfieldHeyfield, Gippsland, Victoria April 26, 2010 -37.99 146.7758 229 D

381WLS Willung South ES&S Willung South, Victoria April 26, 2010 -38.3406 146.74089 852 B

382THD Thomson Dam ES&S Thomson Dam, Victoria April 27, 2010 -37.80987 146.35046 710 C

383GMD Glenmaggie ES&S Glenmaggie Dam, Gippsland, 

Victoria

April 27, 2010 -37.90206 146.7986 948 B

384TLG Toolangi ANSN Toolangi, Victoria April 28, 2010 -37.56952 145.49085 981 B

385GRV Greenvale ES&S Greenvale, Victoria April 28, 2010 -37.61685 144.90262 1265 B

386FCR Fish Creek ES&S Fish Creek, Victoria April 29, 2010 -38.75622 146.0001 865 B
4

The sites tested in 2006 and 2010 are plotted on the regional maps shown as figures 1 through 8. 

The National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) A-E site classification is as follows: (1) 

blue square-A, (2) green circle-B, (3) yellow diamond-C, (4) red triangle-D, and (5) purple triangle-E.

Figure 1. Spectral analysis of surface waves test sites visited in Perth and eastern rangeland, Western Australia, 

2006. Symbols indicate National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program site classifications, where green circles 

are B sites, yellow diamonds are C sites, and red triangle is a D site.
5

Figure 2. Spectral analysis of surface waves test sites visited in the Adelaide area and Flinders Range, South 

Australia, 2006. Symbols indicate National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program site classifications, where blue 

square is an A site, green circles are B sites, and red triangle is a D site.
6

Figure 3. Spectral analysis of surface waves test sites visited in south central Victoria, 2010. Symbols indicate 

National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program site classifications, where green circles are B sites, yellow 

diamond is a C site, and red triangle is a D site. 
7

Figure 4. Spectral analysis of surface waves test sites visited in the Gippsland Basin, and Latrobe Valley, Victoria, 

2010. Symbols indicate National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program site classifications, where green circle is 

a B site, red triangles are D sites, and purple triangle is an E site. 
8

Figure 5. Spectral analysis of surface waves test sites visited in southern New South Wales and northern Victoria, 

2006. Symbols indicate National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program site classifications, where yellow

diamonds are C sites, and green circles are B sites.
9

Figure 6. Spectral analysis of surface waves test sites visited in the greater Sydney region, New South Wales, 

2006 and 2010. Symbols indicate National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program site classifications, where 

green circles are B sites, and yellow diamonds are C sites. 
10

Figure 7. Spectral analysis of surface waves test sites visited in Sydney and suburbs, New South Wales, 2010. 

Symbols indicate National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program site classifications, where green circle is a B 

site, yellow diamond is a C site, and red triangles are D sites.
11

Figure 8. Spectral analysis of surface waves test sites visited in the Newcastle area, New South Wales, 2010. 

Symbols indicate National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program site classifications, where red triangles are D 

sites, and purple triangle is an E site. 

Analysis of Rayleigh Wave Spectrum

For this project, we use the noninvasive and nondestructive method referred to as the spectral 

analysis of surface waves (SASW). The general approach is to measure the phase velocity of Rayleigh 

surface waves, which then can be used to infer the VS profile. The SASW method focuses on the 

fundamental mode of Rayleigh waves that are actively controlled by vertically loading the ground 

surface with a parallel array of mass shakers. The shakers used have a long-stroke capable of cycling as 

low as 1 Hz, well below the normal cut-off frequency of a VibroseisTM truck at 7 Hz. The output signal 

from the spectral analyzer is split into a parallel circuit and sent to the separate amplifiers. The 

amplifiers power the shakers to produce a coherent phase continuous harmonic-wave that vertically 

loads the ground. Most of this energy produces Rayleigh surface waves. We sweep across frequencies 

from 1 to 100 Hz. 
12

Active-source surface wave analysis testing typically profiles the upper tens of meters of the 

ground using drop weights or harmonic sources. The upper 30 m is needed to compute the widely used 

site parameter VS30, defined as 30 m divided by the shear-wave travel time to 30 m depth. Deeper shearwave profiles require lower frequencies and longer wavelengths that normally can not be collected 

unless a large drop weight (such as massive construction machinery) is used. For example, Kayen and 

others (2004) profiled the shear-wave structure of both sides of the Denali Fault using a 49-ton 

Caterpillar D9NTM bulldozer as an active source. Drop weights and heavy track-mounted machinery are 

useful tools for generating surface waves where the physical ground and landowners will support their 

presence. The two major drawbacks to this approach are that (1) these devices tend to be damaging to 

the ground surface, and (2) many sites of scientific importance are not easily accessible with such 

equipment. 

The SASW method used by the U.S. Geological Survey Pacific Science Center is an alternative 

technique that uses a parallel array of mass shakers. This method allows for profiling to depths as much 

as 100 m without the use of massive drop weights or heavy track-mounted machinery. In this method, 

an array of many low frequency, 100–1Hertz (Hz) range, electro-mechanical shakers are substituted for 

what traditionally would be a large VibroseisTM truck. Surface waves are generated with an array APS 

Dynamics Model 400 shaker and amplifier units, powered by a generator and controlled by a spectral 

analyzer (fig. 9).

The shakers have a long-stroke capable of cycling as low as 1 Hz, much lower than the normal 

cut-off frequency of a VibroseisTM truck at 7 Hz. The output signal from the spectral analyzer is split into 

a parallel circuit and sent to the separate amplifiers. The amplifiers power the shakers to produce a 

continuously vibrating coherent in-phase harmonic-wave that vertically loads the ground. Most of this 

energy produces Rayleigh retrograde elliptical surface waves that propagate away from the source in a 

vertical cylindrical wavefront perpendicular to the ground surface. The amplitude of the surface waves 

decays exponentially with depth, such that the energy of the wavefront is centered at a depth of about 

one-third to one-half the wavelength.

Figure 9. Brad Carkin, U.S. Geological Survey (left), and David Love, South Australia (right), testing surface waves 

with two parallel-arrayed electromechanical shakers (left), and 1-Hertz sensor arrays, at USGS site 244NAP, 

Napperby, South Australia. 
13

Frequency domain analyses are made on two or more signals received by sensors placed in the 

field in the linear array some distance from the source. First, all channels of time domain data are 

transformed into their equivalent linear spectrum in the frequency domain using a Fourier transform. 

One of the sensor signals (typically from the sensor closest to the source) is used for a reference input 

signal, and the other sensor signals are used to compute the linear spectrums of the output. The 

separation of the reference seismometer and output seismometer (ds–dref) radially from the source later 

is used to compute the wave velocity. The cross power spectrum Gxy(ω) is determined by multiplying

the complex conjugate of the linear spectrum of the input signal Sx

*

(ω), and the real portion of the linear 

spectrum of the output signal Sy(ω). The cross power spectrum is defined as 

Gxy(ω) = Sx

*

(ω) × Sy(ω) (1)

The autopower spectrum, a measure of the energy at each frequency of the sweep, can be used to 

determine the strength of individual frequencies, and is equal to the linear spectrum of a given sensor 

times its complex conjugate pair:

Gxx(ω) = Sx(ω) × Sx

*

(ω), and (2)

Gyy(ω) = Sy(ω) × Sy

*

(ω). (3)

A cross power spectrum can be represented by its real and imaginary components to determine

phase θ, and magnitude m. The phase θ is the relative lag between the signals at each frequency, and the 

magnitude is a measure of the power between the two signals at each frequency. Because the phases are 

relative, they can be stacked to enhance signal-to-noise ratio of the phase lag at each frequency.

The phase of the cross power spectrum is computed as the inverse tangent of the ratio of the 

imaginary and real portions of the cross power spectrum: 

θxx(ω) = ttt−1 II�Gxx(ω)�

RR�Gxx(ω)�

 (4)

The travel time t(ƒ) of one cycle of a wave of frequency (ƒ) is computed as, 

t(f) = θ(ω)/ω (5)

and the wavelength, λ, at each frequency is

λ(θ) = (ds–dref)/ θ(ƒ) (6)

The Rayleigh wave velocity, Vr, is computed as 

Vr(f) = (ds–dref)/t(ƒ) 

= ƒ(ds–dref) 360°/θ (degrees) 

= ƒ(ds–dref) 2π/θ(ƒ) (radians) 

= ƒλ(ƒ) (7)
14

The SASW procedure maps the change in θ across the frequency spectrum, and merges these 

phase lags with the sensor array geometry to measure velocity. With the shaker source, the discrete 

frequencies typically are cycled in a swept (stepped)-sine fashion across a range of low frequencies (1–

200 Hz). Rayleigh-wave phase velocity then is mapped in frequency or wavelength space. This velocity 

map or profile is referred to as a dispersion curve and characterizes changes in the frequency-dependent 

Rayleigh wave velocity. The evaluation of velocities is constrained to the wavelength zone where λ(f)/3

< (ds–dref) < 2 λ(f) for typical data and λ(f)/3 < (ds–dref) < 3 λ(f) for excellent data, corresponding to 

phase lags of 180°–1080° (typical data) and 120°–1080° (excellent data). At longer and shorter 

wavelengths, the data become unreliable for computing velocities. 

As the useable wavelengths are constrained by the seismometer separation, the array is expanded 

to capture Rayleigh wave dispersion representative of a specific range of wavelengths. The near surface 

is characterized by short wavelengths and high frequencies, whereas the deeper part of the profile is 

characterized by long wavelengths and low frequencies. Each wavelength range requires a separate

independent test that is merged together with other wavelength ranges to determine an average 

dispersion curve for the site. 

At the largest seismometer separations, the increasing area of the wavefront causes the wave 

amplitude to diminish because of geometric damping, and the overall quality of the data diminishes. 

Two measures of data quality are used to evaluate the field measurements in the frequency domain. 

Coherence, γ

2

(ω), is a normalized real function with values between 0 and 1 corresponding to the ratio 

of the power of the cross power spectrum, Gyx(ω) • Gyx*(ω), to the autopower spectrum of the outboard 

seismometer, Gxx(ω) • Gyy(ω). Values close to 1 indicate high correlation between the reference and 

outboard seismometers across narrow frequency bands. This is a useful data quality parameter for 

hammer impact data.

γxx

2 (ω) = G (ω)•G∗ (ω)

Gxx(ω)•G (ω)

 (8)

For swept sine data where discrete frequencies are used to compute phase rather than narrow 

frequency bands, the frequency response function, FRF, is a complex measure of the data quality of the 

output (outboard) seismometer, and is sometimes referred to as the Transfer Function: 

FRF(ω) = G (ω)

Gxx(ω)

 (9)

where

 x is the input (reference) signal, and

y is the response (output) signal.

The Frequency Response Function is a two-sided complex parameter. To convert to the 

frequency response gain (magnitude) that is used to evaluate the amplitude of the output response to the 

input stimulus, a rectangular-to-polar coordinate conversion is used. 
15

Inversion of the VS Profile

The relation between Rayleigh wave (VR), shear wave (VS) and compression wave (VP) velocities 

can be formulated through Navier's equations for dynamic equilibrium. At the ground surface in the 

case of plane strain, the following characteristic equation is:

Vr

Vs

6

- 8 Vr

Vs

4

+(24-16� 1−2ν

2(1−ν)

�)

Vr

Vs

2

+ 16 �� 1−2ν

2(1−ν)

� − 1� = 0 (10) 

where

ν is the Poisson ratio and

VS

VP

= γ = �� 1−2ν

2(1−ν)

� (11) 

For reasonable values of Poisson Ratio for earth materials, between 0.20 and 0.49, Viktorov 

(1967) shows that the shear wave velocity ranges from 105 to 115 percent of the measured Rayleigh 

wave velocity

VR

VS

= K = 

0.87+1.12ν

1+ν (12) 

such that across the range 0.2<ν<0.49, the range of K is 0.87<K<0.96. 

The inversion method seeks to infer an acceptable best-fit model of seismic shear wave velocity, 

VS, of the ground given the measured dispersive characteristics of Rayleigh waves observed in the 

frequency domain, and the estimated profile of Poisson ratio and material density. The inversion 

attempts to build a model from observations, as compared to the normal prediction of behavior based on 

a model. If the inversion model is simple and linear, it will result in a unique and stable solution. The 

French mathematician Hadamard defined mathematical problems that have solutions, are unique, and 

are stable as “well-posed” (Zhdanov, 2002). By contrast, surface wave inversion is an “ill-posed” 

inverse problem, as solutions are not unique, the solutions may become unstable, and multiple shear 

wave velocity profiles can result in approximately the same dispersion curve (Zhdanov, 2002). 

The dispersive characteristic of Rayleigh wave propagation allows us to infer the VS at depth 

based on measurements at the free surface. The forward model computes the Rayleigh wave phase 

velocity (VR) from laterally constant layers of an infinite half space. For each of these layers, the shear 

modulus, Poisson ratio, density, and thickness are unknown. Displacements for a vertically acting 

harmonic point load can be computed as follows in the far field if body wave components are 

disregarded: 

uβ(r, z, ω) = Fz ∙ Gβ ∙ (r, z, ω) ∙ ei[ωω−ψβ(r,z,ω)] (13) 

where

β stands for the generic component either vertical or radial, 

 Gβ(r,z,ω) is the Rayleigh geometrical spreading function, and 

Ψβ(r,z,ω) is the composite phase function (Lai and Rix, 1998; Foti, 2000). 
16

Regularization methods have been developed for solving the ill-posed problem if inversion of 

stiffness from surface wave dispersion data. The Levenberg-Marquardt method, also referred to as

damped least squares, is one example of a regularization method. These and other techniques, such as 

artificial neural networks and genetic algorithms, are discussed by Santamarina and Fratta (1998). One 

cost of these stochastic methods is that they often require many more iterations, and so they are much 

more computationally intensive. 

The parameters of the forward problem can be selected so that the difference between the 

observational dispersion data and the output of the forward problem are minimized. Such a constraint is 

insufficient for ill-posed problems because many solutions can fit the data equally well, and some of 

these solutions will be physically unrealistic. The most common approach is to constrain the inversion 

solution space by selecting the smoothest solution from a suite of solutions that all indicate a sufficient 

goodness-of-fit to the observed data, as indicated by a root mean square error minimum 

An empirical approach serves as a counterpoint to the forward inversion methods with the 

forward model method used in this report. Pelekis and Athanosopoulos (2011) advanced the work of 

Satoh and others (1991) in a technique termed the Simplified Inversion Method that computes the shear 

wave velocity profile as a function of the incremental slope of the Rayleigh wave dispersion curve 

where:

VSS, n nn d dd d = 1.1 ∙

V�RRD −V�RR−1D −1

D −D −1

(14) 

VSS,i i d = 1.1 ∙ D −D −1

D V�⁄ RR− D −1 V�⁄ RR−1

(15) 

The dispersion curve VR plotted against λR is converted into an apparent velocity (V�R) and depth 

(z) by converting λR to an estimated depth of z e = R ∙ λR ≈ 0.635λR . The parameter aR is a 

penetration depth coefficient optimized to achieve a minimum weighted average difference between the 

simplified velocity profile and that computed through the more advanced forward inversion of Pelekis 

and Athansopoulos (2011). The apparent phase velocity, VR���, is approximated as the velocity at each 

segment node (layer interface) of a multi-linear curve fit to the dispersion curve. A positive slope of a 

segment indicates normal dispersion; a negative slope indicates inverted dispersion. The value of VS for

each individual layer is calculated using equations 14 and 15 for the cases of normal dispersion or 

inverted dispersion, respectively. The approach of Pelekis and Athansopoulos (2011) improves on 

method of Satoh and others (1991), notably by optimizing the penetration depth coefficient, aR. 

Results

Two profile solutions are provided at each site (Forward Inversion and Simplified Inversion 

Method model). We varied the assumptions about the layer thicknesses and the threshold root mean 

square error that determines if the inversion has converged to best characterize the site. Whether or not 

the more complex model is warranted by the fit of the theoretical dispersion curve to the empirical 

dispersion curve is a subjective decision. 

Profile results are summarized in table 1, including the following information provided: SASW 

site ID, site location, date of data collection, site latitude and longitude, and site parameter VS30. 

Plots of the two model profiles and the empirical dispersion curve and theoretical dispersion 

curves for each site are included in appendix A. Site photographs and a vicinity map for each site also 

are included in appendix A. Where possible, we have indicated the location of the strong motion station 

in the site photographs and vicinity maps to assess the distance between the SASW survey and the 

strong motion station. 
17

Resources

We have used the SWAMI Fortran routines that are freely available at 

http://geosystems.ce.gatech.edu/soil_dynamics/research/surfacewavesanalysis/ (distributed under the 

terms of the GNU General Public License). 

Acknowledgments

This work is supported through Project annex AS-02.0400 under the memorandum of 

understanding on scientific and technical cooperation in the geosciences between the United States

(U.S. Geological Survey, Department of the Interior) and Australia (Geoscience Australia, Department 

of Industry, Tourism and Resources). We thank Andrew McPherson, Trevor Allen, Clive Collins and 

David Burbidge for their interest and support of this study. Owen McConnel , David Love, and Kirkland 

Kalder-Bull, with the governments of Western Australia, South Australia, and Victoria, respectively, 

were of great assistance to our data-collection efforts. 

References Cited

Foti, S., 2000, Multistation methods for geotechnical characterization using surface waves: Turin, Italy, 

Politecnico di Torino, Ph.D. dissertation, 251 p. 

Kayen, R., Seed, R.B., Moss, R.E., Cetin, O., Tanaka, Y., and Tokimatsu, K., 2004, Global shear wave 

velocity database for probabilistic assessment of the initiation of seismic-soil liquefaction: 

International conference on soil dynamics and earthquake engineering, 11th, Berkeley, California, 

January 7–9, 2004, p. 506–512. 

Lai, C.G., and Rix, G. J., 1998, Simultaneous inversion of Rayleigh phase velocity and attenuation for 

near-surface site characterization: Georgia Institute of Technology, School of Civil and 

Environmental Engineering Report No. GIT-CEE/GEO-98-2, 258 p. 

Pelekis, P.C., and Athanasopoulos, G.A., 2011, An overview of surface wave methods and a reliability

study of a simplified inversion technique: Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering, v. 31, no. 12, 

p. 1,654–1,668. 

Santamarina, J.C., and Fratta, D., 1998, Introduction to discrete signals and inverse problems in civil 

engineering: American Society of Civil Engineers, 327 p. 

Satoh, T., Poran, C.I., Yamagata, K., and Rondriquez, J.A., 1991, Soil profiling by spectral analysis of 

surface waves: International conference on recent advances in geotechnical earthquake engineering

and soil dynamics, 2nd, 1991, v.2, p. 1,429–1,434. 

Viktorov, I.A., 1967, Rayleigh and lamb waves—Physical theory and applications, New York, Plenum 

Press, 154 p. 

Zhdanov, M.S., 2002, Geophysical inverse theory and regularization problems: Methods in 

Geochemistry and Geophysics, Elsevier, v. 36, 628 p. 
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19 

Appendix A. Site Summaries Ordered by USGS Site Identifier

Figure A1-1. Surface wave test site 236CMC located 2.3 km SW of Cadoux, Western Australia (lat -

30.79102, long 117.0963). Tested on June 10, 2006. (A) view towards the east from shakers; (B) view NE 

from seismometer and borehole toward the shakers behind vehicle; (C) view SW from shakers; (D) view to 

the west along seismometer array; (E) satellite view of the local site, red and white symbol is the location of 

the shakers, the yellow bar is the seismometer array; (F) site location in Western Australia.
20 

Figure A1-2. Site ID, location, and shear wave velocity for surface wave test site 236CMC. (A) Phase 

velocity versus wavelength for individual empirical dispersion curves; (B) Phase velocity versus frequency 

for individual empirical dispersion curves; (C) Empirical (red) and theoretical (blue) averaged phase velocity 

versus frequency; (D) Shear wave velocity versus depth.
21 

Figure A1-3. Surface wave test site 237BK5 located about 5 km west of Burakin, Western Australia (lat -

30.5194, long 117.12187). Tested on June 11, 2006. (A) view looking eastward toward shakers; (B) view 

westward from shakers; (C) shakers at the east end of array; (D) landmark near the west end of 

seismometer array; (E) satellite view of the local site, red and white symbol is the location of the shakers, 

the yellow bar is the seismometer array; (F) site location in Western Australia.
22 

Figure A1-4. Site ID, location and shear wave velocity for surface wave test site 237BK5. (A) Phase 

velocity versus wavelength for individual empirical dispersion curves; (B) Phase velocity versus frequency 

for individual empirical dispersion curves; (C) Empirical (red) and theoretical (blue) averaged phase velocity 

versus frequency; (D) Shear wave velocity versus depth.
23 

Figure A1-5. Surface wave test site 238PIG2 located 8.5 km NE of Wongan Hills, Western Australia (lat -

30.84753, long 116.79184). Tested on June 11, 2006. (A) view looking southwards to the shakers; (B) view 

north to the seismometer array; (C) view towards the NE from shakers; (D) view of local bedrock exposure 

near the seismometer array, about 100 m to the east; (E) satellite view of the local site, red and white 

symbol is the location of the shakers, the yellow bar is the seismometer array; (F) site location in Western 

Australia.
24 

Figure A1-6. Site ID, location, and shear wave velocity for surface wave test site 238PIG2. (A) Phase 

velocity versus wavelength for individual empirical dispersion curves; (B) Phase velocity versus frequency 

for individual empirical dispersion curves; (C) Empirical (red) and theoretical (blue) averaged phase velocity 

versus frequency; (D) Shear wave velocity versus depth.
25 

Figure A1-7. Surface wave test site 239PIG3 located 5.4 km SW of Bolgart, Western Australia (lat -

31.31517, long 116.48366). Tested on June 12, 2006. (A) view looking southeastwards from the shakers; 

(B) view looking NW toward shakers; (C) view to the east at the shakers; (D) seismometer, battery and 

solar panel on rock knob, behind the vehicle in B; (E) satellite view of the local site, red and white symbol is 

the location of the shakers, the yellow bar is the seismometer array; (F) site location in Western Australia. 
26 

Figure A1-8. Site ID, location, and shear wave velocity for surface wave test site 239PIG3. (A) Phase 

velocity versus wavelength for individual empirical dispersion curves; (B) Phase velocity versus frequency 

for individual empirical dispersion curves; (C) Empirical (red) and theoretical (blue) averaged phase velocity 

versus frequency; (D) Shear wave velocity versus depth.
27 

Figure A1-9. Surface wave test site 240CAR located in Carlisle, suburb of Perth, Western Australia (lat -

31.983031, long 115.926921). Tested on June 13, 2006. (A) view looking NW towards the shaker location; 

(B) view looking SE along seismometer array; (C) SE end of the seismometer array looking NW; (D)

entrance to facility on Harris Street; (E) satellite view of the local site, red and white symbol is the location 

of the shakers, the yellow bar is the seismometer array; (F) site location in Western Australia.
28 

Figure A1-10. Site ID, location, and shear wave velocity for surface wave test site 240CAR. (A) Phase 

velocity versus wavelength for individual empirical dispersion curves; (B) Phase velocity versus frequency 

for individual empirical dispersion curves; (C) Empirical (red) and theoretical (blue) averaged phase velocity 

versus frequency; (D) Shear wave velocity versus depth.
29 

Figure A1-11. Surface wave test site 241SDN located 8 km NE of Sedan, South Australia (lat -34.5093, 

long 139.3374). Tested on June 15, 2006. (A) view looking towards the northeast from shakers; (B) view 

SW toward the shakers; (C) view looking east at a seismometer on array; (D) seismometer shelter and 

solar panel located at the red arrow in E; (E) satellite view of the local site, red and white symbol is the 

location of the shakers, the yellow bar is the seismometer array; (F) site location in South Australia. 
30 

Figure A1-12. Site ID, location, and shear wave velocity for surface wave test site 241SDN. (A) Phase 

velocity versus wavelength for individual empirical dispersion curves; (B) Phase velocity versus frequency 

for individual empirical dispersion curves; (C) Empirical (red) and theoretical (blue) averaged phase velocity 

versus frequency; (D) Shear wave velocity versus depth.
31 

Figure A1-13. Surface wave test site 242FR14 located 4.2 km NW of Spalding, South Australia (lat -

33.4709, long 138.5757). Tested on June 16, 2006. (A) view looking towards the SW down ridge line from 

shakers; (B) view looking SW down ridge line; (C) view SW from shakers, 2 m seismometer separation; (D)

view looking NE uphill toward shakers; (E) satellite view of the local site, red and white symbol is the 

location of the shakers, the yellow bar is the seismometer array; (F) site location in South Australia.
32 

Figure A1-14. Site ID, location, and shear wave velocity for surface wave test site 242FR14. (A) Phase 

velocity versus wavelength for individual empirical dispersion curves; (B) Phase velocity versus frequency 

for individual empirical dispersion curves; (C) Empirical (red) and theoretical (blue) averaged phase velocity 

versus frequency; (D) Shear wave velocity versus depth.
33 

Figure A1-15. Surface wave test site 243FR13 located about 9 km NW of Jamestown, South Australia (lat 

-33.1249, long 138.5683). Tested on June 16, 2006. (A) view looking westward from the shakers; (B) view 

looking SW above test site; (C) view NE from the shakers; (D) view to the west along seismometer array; 

(E) satellite view of the local site, red and white symbol is the location of the shakers, the yellow bar is the 

seismometer array; F) site location in South Australia. 
34 

Figure A1-16. Site ID, location, and shear wave velocity for surface wave test site 243FR13. (A) Phase 

velocity versus wavelength for individual empirical dispersion curves; (B) Phase velocity versus frequency 

for individual empirical dispersion curves; (C) Empirical (red) and theoretical (blue) averaged phase velocity 

versus frequency; (D) Shear wave velocity versus depth.
35 

Figure A1-17. Surface wave test site 244NAP located 4 km SE of Napperby, South Australia (lat -33.184, 

long 138.145). Tested on June 17, 2006. (A) view looking towards the west from shakers; (B) view to the 

SE up the gulley along seismometer array; (C) view northward from shakers; (D) seismometer shelter 

located at the red arrow in E; (E) satellite view of the local site, red and white symbol is the location of the 

shakers, the yellow bar is the seismometer array; (F) site location in South Australia.
36 

Figure A1-18. Site ID, location, and shear wave velocity for surface wave test site 244NAP. (A) Phase 

velocity versus wavelength for individual empirical dispersion curves; (B) Phase velocity versus frequency 

for individual empirical dispersion curves; (C) Empirical (red) and theoretical (blue) averaged phase velocity 

versus frequency; (D) Shear wave velocity versus depth.
37 

Figure A1-19. Surface wave test site 245GHS located at Government House, Adelaide, South Australia 

(lat -34.92077, long 138.6001). Tested on June 18, 2006. (A) view looking toward the NE from shakers; (B)

view SW toward the shakers; (C) view south to the shakers; (D) view to the SW along seismometer array; 

(E) satellite view of the local site, red and white symbol is the location of the shakers, the yellow bar is the 

seismometer array; (F) site location in South Australia. 
38 

Figure A1-20. Site ID, location, and shear wave velocity for surface wave test site 245GHS. (A) Phase 

velocity versus wavelength for individual empirical dispersion curves; (B) Phase velocity versus frequency 

for individual empirical dispersion curves; (C) Empirical (red) and theoretical (blue) averaged phase velocity 

versus frequency; (D) Shear wave velocity versus depth.
39 

Figure A1-21. Surface wave test site 246DTM located on ridge top about 70 km SW of Wodonga, Victoria 

(lat -36.5293, long 147.469). Tested on June 21, 2006. (A) photo view towards the SE at the shakers; (B)

view Sw from the shakers; (C) view SE along seismometer array; (D) seismometer shelter on south-facing 

side of ridge; (E) satellite view of the local site, red and white symbol is the location of the shakers, the 

yellow bar is the seismometer array; (F) site location in Victoria. 
40 

Figure A1-22. Site ID, location, and shear wave velocity for surface wave test site 246DTM. (A) Phase 

velocity versus wavelength for individual empirical dispersion curves; (B) Phase velocity versus frequency 

for individual empirical dispersion curves; (C) Empirical (red) and theoretical (blue) averaged phase velocity 

versus frequency; (D) Shear wave velocity versus depth.
41 

Figure A1-23. Surface wave test site 247LGT located about 88 km SE of Wodonga, Victoria (lat -36.7633, 

long 147.464). Tested on June 21, 2006. (A) view of shakers and seismometers; (B) view NW or SE along 

seismometer array; (C) view of shakers and seismometers, 2 m spacing; (D) seismometer shelter; (E)

satellite view of the local site, red and white symbol is the location of the shakers based on GPS, trend of 

the seismometer array is uncertain on irregular forest road; (F) site location in Victoria. 
42 

Figure A1-24. Site ID, location, and shear wave velocity for surface wave test site 247LGT. (A) Phase 

velocity versus wavelength for individual empirical dispersion curves; (B) Phase velocity versus frequency 

for individual empirical dispersion curves; (C) Empirical (red) and theoretical (blue) averaged phase velocity 

versus frequency; (D) Shear wave velocity versus depth.
43 

Figure A1-25. Surface wave test site 248DRA located 42 km NE of Albury, New South Wales (lat -

35.9654, long 147.375). Tested on June 22, 2006. (A) view of the test site looking towards the east; (B)

view west toward seismometers; (C) view east along seismometer array; (D) view to the west; (E) satellite 

view of the local site, red and white symbol is the location of the shakers, the yellow bar is the seismometer 

array; (F) site location in New South Wales. 
44 

Figure A1-26. Site ID, location, and shear wave velocity for surface wave test site 248DRA. (A) Phase 

velocity versus wavelength for individual empirical dispersion curves; (B) Phase velocity versus frequency 

for individual empirical dispersion curves; (C) Empirical (red) and theoretical (blue) averaged phase velocity 

versus frequency; (D) Shear wave velocity versus depth.
45 

Figure A1-27. Surface wave test site 249BJE located 27 km SW of Yass, New South Wales (lat -34.9505, 

long 148.646). Tested on June 23, 2006. (A) view looking NE towards the shakers; (B) view looking north to 

the shakers; (C) seismometer shelter; (D) view to the south along seismometer array; (E) satellite view of 

the local site, red and white symbol is the location of the shakers, the yellow bar is the seismometer array, 

seismometer shelter located at the red arrow; (F) site location in New South Wales. 
46 

Figure A1-28. Site ID, location, and shear wave velocity for surface wave test site 249BJE. (A) Phase 

velocity versus wavelength for individual empirical dispersion curves; (B) Phase velocity versus frequency 

for individual empirical dispersion curves; (C) Empirical (red) and theoretical (blue) averaged phase velocity 

versus frequency; (D) Shear wave velocity versus depth.
47 

Figure A1-29. Surface wave test site 250TAL located about 14 km W-SW of Kangaroo Valley, New South 

Wales (lat -34.7709, long 150.381). Tested on June 24, 2006. (A) view looking towards the SE from 

shakers; (B) view SE along the seismometer array; (C) the seismometer shelter west of the road near the 

shakers; (D) shakers at the NW end of the seismometer array; (E) satellite view of the local site, red and 

white symbol is the location of the shakers, the yellow bar is the seismometer array; (F) site location in New 

South Wales. 
48 

Figure A1-30. Site ID, location, and shear wave velocity for surface wave test site 250TAL. (A) Phase 

velocity versus wavelength for individual empirical dispersion curves; (B) Phase velocity versus frequency 

for individual empirical dispersion curves; (C) Empirical (red) and theoretical (blue) averaged phase velocity 

versus frequency; (D) Shear wave velocity versus depth.
49 

Figure A1-31. Surface wave test site 251NAT located about 5 km N-NW of Hill Top, New South Wales (lat 

-34.31846, long 150.46255). Tested on June 24, 2006. (A) view looking towards the SW from near the 

shakers; (B) view SW along the seismometer array; (C) view NE along seismometer array; (D) view 

eastward of the shaker location on Wattle Ridge Road; (E) satellite view of the local site, red and white 

symbol is the location of the shakers, the yellow bar is the seismometer array; (F) site location in New 

South Wales. 
50 

Figure A1-32. Site ID, location, and shear wave velocity for surface wave test site 251NAT. (A) Phase 

velocity versus wavelength for individual empirical dispersion curves; (B) Phase velocity versus frequency 

for individual empirical dispersion curves; (C) Empirical (red) and theoretical (blue) averaged phase velocity 

versus frequency; (D) Shear wave velocity versus depth.
51 

Figure A1-33. Surface wave test site 252KAT located 17 km SE of Katoomba, New South Wales (lat -

33.8531, long 150.40755). (A) view looking S-SE towards the seismometer array; (B) view looking S-SE 

towards the seismometer array; (C) view northward to the shaker location; (D) the shakers sitting directly 

on bedrock at road junction; (E) satellite view of the local site, red and white symbol is the location of the 

shakers, the yellow bar is the seismometer array; (F) site location in New South Wales. 
52

Figure A1-34. Site ID, location, and shear wave velocity for surface wave test site 252KAT. (A) Phase 

velocity versus wavelength for individual empirical dispersion curves; (B) Phase velocity versus frequency 

for individual empirical dispersion curves; (C) Empirical (red) and theoretical (blue) averaged phase velocity 

versus frequency; (D) Shear wave velocity versus depth.
53

Figure A1-35. Surface wave test site 253LUC located at the High Flux Australian Reactor site, Lucas 

Heights, New South Wales (lat -34.05181, long 150.97958). Tested on June 27, 2006. (A) satellite view of 

the reactor and test site, red and white symbol is the location of the shakers, the yellow bar is the 

seismometer array; (B) wider satellite view of reactor site and shaker location; (C) site location in New 

South Wales.
54

Figure A1-36. Site ID, location, and shear wave velocity for surface wave test site 253LUC. (A) Phase 

velocity versus wavelength for individual empirical dispersion curves; (B) Phase velocity versus frequency

for individual empirical dispersion curves; (C) Empirical (red) and theoretical (blue) averaged phase velocity 

versus frequency; (D) Shear wave velocity versus depth.
55

Figure A1-37. Surface wave test site 355BOT, Latham Park, eastern suburbs, Sydney, New South Wales 

(lat -33.93479, long 151.25119). Botany microtremor site 305006, tested on April 15, 2010. (A) view 

southward to the seismometer array from the shakers; (B) view northward to the shakers; (C) view north to 

the seismometers and shakers; (D) view west at the shakers; (E) satellite view of the local site, red and 

white symbol is the location of the shakers, the yellow bar is the seismometer array; (F) site location in New 

South Wales.
56

Figure A1-38. Site ID, location, and shear wave velocity for surface wave test site 355BOT. (A) Phase 

velocity versus wavelength for individual empirical dispersion curves; (B) Empirical (red) and theoretical 

(blue) averaged phase velocity versus frequency; (C) Shear wave velocity versus depth.
57

Figure A1-39. Surface wave test site 356BOT, Snape Park, Maroubra, eastern suburbs, Sydney (lat -

33.93572, long 151.2332). Botany microtremor site 301016, tested on April 16, 2010. (A) view westward 

from the shakers; (B) view east at the seismometers and shakers; (C) view NE from the shakers into 

playing field; (D) satellite view of the local site, red and white symbol is the location of the shakers, the 

yellow bar is the seismometer array; (E) site location in New South Wales.
58

Figure A1-40. Site ID, location, and shear wave velocity for surface wave test site 356BOT. (A) Phase 

velocity versus wavelength for individual empirical dispersion curves; (B) Empirical (red) and theoretical 

(blue) averaged phase velocity versus frequency; (C) Shear wave velocity versus depth.
59

Figure A1-41. Surface wave test site 357BOT located at David Phillips Sports Field, Daceyville, eastern 

suburbs, Sydney (lat -33.9313, long 151.2247). Tested on April 16, 2010. (A) view looking NE from the 

shakers; (B) view looking south toward the shakers; (C) view NE showing the shakers and analyzer; (D)

view to the east of part of the seismometer array; (E) satellite view of the local site, red and white symbol is 

the location of the shakers, the yellow bar is the seismometer array; (F) site location in New South Wales.
60

Figure A1-42. Site ID, location, and shear wave velocity for surface wave test site 357BOT. (A) Phase 

velocity versus wavelength for individual empirical dispersion curves; (B) Empirical (red) and theoretical 

(blue) averaged phase velocity versus frequency; (C) Shear wave velocity versus depth.
61

Figure A1-43. Surface wave test site 358BOT located in Rosebery, southeastern suburbs, Sydney, New 

South Wales (lat -33.91608, long 151.208491). Botany microtremor site 301035, tested on April 16, 2010.

(A) view looking east from shakers along Kimbereley Grove; (B) view west along seismometer array; (C)

view of the shakers looking NE; (D) view to the west to the shakers; (E) satellite view of the local site, red 

and white symbol is the location of the shakers, the yellow bar is the seismometer array; (F) site location in 

New South Wales.
62

Figure A1-44. Site ID, location, and shear wave velocity for surface wave test site 358BOT. (A) Phase 

velocity versus wavelength for individual empirical dispersion curves; (B) Empirical (red) and theoretical 

(blue) averaged phase velocity versus frequency; (C) Shear wave velocity versus depth.
63

Figure A1-45. Surface wave test site 359RIV located at Saint Ignatius’ College, Riverview, northeastern 

suburbs, Sydney, New South Wales (lat -33.8277, long 151.1591). Tested on April 17, 2010. (A) view 

looking west from the shakers; (B) another view looking west from the shakers; (C) view east to the 

shakers; (D) view to the NW into play field adjacent to the test area; (E) satellite view of the local site, red 

and white symbol is the location of the shakers, the yellow bar is the seismometer array; (F) site location in 

New South Wales.
64

Figure A1-46. Site ID, location, and shear wave velocity for surface wave test site 359RIV. (A) Phase 

velocity versus wavelength for individual empirical dispersion curves; (B) Empirical (red) and theoretical 

(blue) averaged phase velocity versus frequency; (C) Shear wave velocity versus depth.
65

Figure A1-47. Surface wave test site 360BOT, Botany, southern suburbs, Sydney, New South Wales (lat -

33.93928, long 151.20146). Botany microtremor site 305054, tested on April 17, 2010. (A) view looking 

southward from the shakers; (B) view northwards to the shakers; (C) view SW from shakers; (D) view 

southward along the seismometer array; (E) satellite view of the local site, red and white symbol is the 

location of the shakers, the yellow bar is the seismometer array; (F) site location in New South Wales.
66

Figure A1-48. Site ID, location, and shear wave velocity for surface wave test site 360BOT. (A) Phase 

velocity versus wavelength for individual empirical dispersion curves; (B) Empirical (red) and theoretical 

(blue) averaged phase velocity versus frequency; (C) Shear wave velocity versus depth.
67

Figure A1-49. Surface wave test site 361BOT located at Sir Joseph Banks Park, Banksmeadow, southern 

suburbs, Sydney, New South Wales (lat -33.9556, long 151.20241). Botany microtremor site 304052, 

tested on April 17, 2010. (A) view to the SE from the shakers; (B) view NW along the seismometer array; 

(C) view SE from near the shakers; (D) view to the NE near the shakers; (E) satellite view of the local site, 

red and white symbol is the location of the shakers, the yellow bar is the seismometer array; (F) site 

location in New South Wales.
68

Figure A1-50. Site ID, location, and shear wave velocity for surface wave test site 361BOT. (A) Phase 

velocity versus wavelength for individual empirical dispersion curves; (B) Empirical (red) and theoretical 

(blue) averaged phase velocity versus frequency; (C) Shear wave velocity versus depth.
69

Figure A1-51. Surface wave test site 362BOT located at Botany Golf Club, Banksmeadow, southern 

suburbs, Sydney, New South Wales (lat -33.9585, long 151.20706). Botany microtremor site 30036, tested 

on April 19, 2010. (A) view looking NW along the seismometer array from the shakers; (B) another view 

NW from near the shakers; (C) view SE toward the shakers; (D) view NW to the shakers and seismometer 

array; (E) satellite view of the local site, red and white symbol is the location of the shakers, the yellow bar 

is the seismometer array; (F) site location in New South Wales.
70

Figure A1-52. Site ID, location, and shear wave velocity for surface wave test site 362BOT. (A) Phase 

velocity versus wavelength for individual empirical dispersion curves; (B) Empirical (red) and theoretical 

(blue) averaged phase velocity versus frequency; (C) Shear wave velocity versus depth.
71

Figure A1-53. Surface wave test site 363NEW located at Wickham Park, Wickham district, Newcastle, 

New South Wales (lat -32.9189, long 151.7556). Wik-01 SCPT-36.0 m site, tested on April 20, 2010. (A)

view to the north from the shakers; (B) view SW from the shakers; (C) another view SW from the shakers; 

(D) view to the NW along the seismometer array; (E) satellite view of the local site, red and white symbol is 

the location of the shakers, the yellow bar is the seismometer array; (F) site location in New South Wales.
72

Figure A1-54. Site ID, location, and shear wave velocity for surface wave test site 363NEW. (A) Phase 

velocity versus wavelength for individual empirical dispersion curves; (B) Empirical (red) and theoretical 

(blue) averaged phase velocity versus frequency; (C) Shear wave velocity versus depth.
73

Figure A1-55. Surface wave test site 364NEW located at Islington Park, Islington district, Newcastle, New 

South Wales (lat -32.91053, long 151.74651). Iso-01 SCPT-15.0 m site, tested on April 20, 2010. (A) view 

looking southward along seismometer array from the shakers; (B) view northward to the shakers; (C) view 

SE across seismometer array toward Styx Creek; (D) view to the west near the shakers; (E) satellite view 

of the local site, red and white symbol is the location of the shakers, the yellow bar is the seismometer 

array; (F) site location in New South Wales.
74

Figure A1-56. Site ID, location, and shear wave velocity for surface wave test site 364NEW. (A) Phase 

velocity versus wavelength for individual empirical dispersion curves; (B) Empirical (red) and theoretical 

(blue) averaged phase velocity versus frequency; (C) Shear wave velocity versus depth.
75

Figure A1-57. Surface wave test site 365NEW, North Lambton district, Newcastle, New South Wales (lat -

32.90133, long 151.70391). North Lambton Depot-JUMP ES&S site, tested on April 20,2010. (A) view 

westward from the shakers; (B) view SE from the shakers; (C) view to the NE from across Compton Street 

toward the shakers; (D) view to the west along Compton Street; (E) satellite view of the local site, red and 

white symbol is the location of the shakers, the yellow bar is the seismometer array; (F) site location in New 

South Wales.
76

Figure A1-58. Site ID, location, and shear wave velocity for surface wave test site 365NEW. (A) Phase 

velocity versus wavelength for individual empirical dispersion curves; (B) Empirical (red) and theoretical 

(blue) averaged phase velocity versus frequency; (C) Shear wave velocity versus depth.
77

Figure A1-59. Surface wave test site 366NEW located at Smith Park, Broadmeadow district, Newcastle, 

New South Wales (lat -32.91661, long 151.73515). Brd-04 SCPT-26.7 m site, tested on April 20, 2010. (A)

view looking northward from shakers; (B) view SE from the shakers; (C) view north across Smith Park; (D)

view to the NE from near the shakers; (E) satellite view of the local site, red and white symbol is the 

location of the shakers, the yellow bar is the seismometer array; (F) site location in New South Wales.
78

Figure A1-60. Site ID, location, and shear wave velocity for surface wave test site 366NEW. (A) Phase 

velocity versus wavelength for individual empirical dispersion curves; (B) Empirical (red) and theoretical 

(blue) averaged phase velocity versus frequency; (C) Shear wave velocity versus depth.
79

Figure A1-61. Surface wave test site 367NEW located at Darling Street Oval, Broadmeadow district, 

Newcastle, New South Wales (lat -32.9343, long 151.7402). Brd-09 SCPT site-11.5 m, tested on April 21, 

2010. (A) view looking north from shakers; (B) view south toward the shakers; (C) view SE toward shakers; 

(D) view to the SW toward the shakers; (E) satellite view of the local site, red and white symbol is the 

location of the shakers, the yellow bar is the seismometer array; (F) site location in New South Wales.
80

Figure A1-62. Site ID, location, and shear wave velocity for surface wave test site 367NEW. (A) Phase 

velocity versus wavelength for individual empirical dispersion curves; (B) Empirical (red) and theoretical 

(blue) averaged phase velocity versus frequency; (C) Shear wave velocity versus depth.
81

Figure A1-63. Surface wave test site 368NEW located at Henderson Park, Merewether district, Newcastle, 

New South Wales (lat -32.93837, long 151.73731). Mer-05 SCPT-6.8 m site, tested on April 21, 2010. (A)

view looking NE from the shakers; (B) another view to the NE down the seismometer array; (C) view SE to 

the shakers; (D) view to the SE across the park toward the shakers; (E) satellite view of the local site, red 

and white symbol is the location of the shakers, the yellow bar is the seismometer array; (F) site location in 

New South Wales.
82

Figure A1-64. Site ID, location, and shear wave velocity for surface wave test site 368NEW. (A) Phase 

velocity versus wavelength for individual empirical dispersion curves; (B) Empirical (red) and theoretical 

(blue) averaged phase velocity versus frequency; (C) Shear wave velocity versus depth.
83

Figure A1-65. Surface wave test site 369MNG located 1.3 km NW of Mangrove Creek Dam, New South 

Wales (lat -33.2094, long 151.1093). Mangrove Creek ANSN site, tested on April 21, 2010. (A) view looking 

W-NW from the dam towards the shaker location (red circle) on the ridgetop; (B) view southward on the 

ridgetop toward the shakers; (C) view eastward from near the shakers toward the ANSN seismometer 

location; (D) ANSN seismometer and solar panels on ridgetop; (E) satellite view of the local site, red and 

white symbol is the location of the shakers, the yellow bar is the seismometer array; (F) site location in New 

South Wales.
84

Figure A1-66. Site ID, location, and shear wave velocity for surface wave test site 369MNG. (A) Phase 

velocity versus wavelength for individual empirical dispersion curves; (B) Empirical (red) and theoretical 

(blue) averaged phase velocity versus frequency; (C) Shear wave velocity versus depth.
85

Figure A1-67. Surface wave test site 370LYG, Loy Yang, located about 7 km S-SW of Traralgon, Victoria 

(lat -38.26627, long 146.50835). Latrobe HHF Loy Yang site, tested on April 23, 2010. (A) view to the NW 

toward the shakers; (B) two shakers in operation at the test site; (C) satellite view of the surrounding region; 

(D) satellite view of the local site, red and white symbol is the location of the shakers, the yellow bar is the 

seismometer array; (E) site location in Victoria.
86

Figure A1-68. Site ID, location, and shear wave velocity for surface wave test site 370LYG. (A) Phase 

velocity versus wavelength for individual empirical dispersion curves; (B) Empirical (red) and theoretical 

(blue) averaged phase velocity versus frequency; (C) Shear wave velocity versus depth.
87

Figure A1-69. Surface wave test site 371RSD located 1 km northeast of Rosedale, Gippsland, Victoria (lat 

-38.14317, long 146.79073). Latrobe alluvium-Rosedale site, tested on April 24, 2010. (A) view looking 

north at the shakers; (B) another view looking north to the shakers; (C) view south from the shakers down 

the seismometer array; (D) another view to the south to the site location; (E) satellite view of the local site, 

red and white symbol is the location of the shakers, the yellow bar is the seismometer array; (F) site 

location in Victoria.
88

Figure A1-70. Site ID, location, and shear wave velocity for surface wave test site 371RSD. (A) Phase 

velocity versus wavelength for individual empirical dispersion curves; (B) Empirical (red) and theoretical 

(blue) averaged phase velocity versus frequency; (C) Shear wave velocity versus depth.
89

Figure A1-71. Surface wave test site 372TGS located about 6 km south of Toongabbie, Gippsland, 

Victoria (lat -38.11883, long 146.63242). Latrobe HHF Toongabbie South site, tested on April 24, 2010. (A)

view looking southward from the shakers; (B) view northward along seismometer array toward the shakers; 

(C) another view southward from the shakers; (D) view to the south toward the shakers, behind vehicle; (E)

satellite view of the local site, red and white symbol is the location of the shakers, the yellow bar is the 

seismometer array; (F) site location in Victoria.
90

Figure A1-72. Site ID, location, and shear wave velocity for surface wave test site 372TGS. (A) Phase 

velocity versus wavelength for individual empirical dispersion curves; (B) Empirical (red) and theoretical 

(blue) averaged phase velocity versus frequency; (C) Shear wave velocity versus depth.
91

Figure A1-73. Surface wave test site 373TGB located 5 km NE of Toongabbie, Gippsland, Victoria (lat -

38.02631, long 146.66515). Latrobe HHF Toongabbie site, tested on April 24, 2010. (A) view looking 

eastward down the seismometer array from the shakers; (B) view westward from from the shakers; (C)

another view westward from shakers; (D) view NE from the shakers; (E) satellite view of the local site, red 

and white symbol is the location of the shakers, the yellow bar is the seismometer array; (F) site location in 

Victoria.
92

Figure A1-74. Site ID, location, and shear wave velocity for surface wave test site 373TGB. (A) Phase 

velocity versus wavelength for individual empirical dispersion curves; (B) Empirical (red) and theoretical 

(blue) averaged phase velocity versus frequency; (C) Shear wave velocity versus depth.
93

Figure A1-75. Surface wave test site 374NAM located about 3 km west of Nambrok, Victoria (lat -

38.05449, long 146.83669). Latrobe HHF-Nambrok West site, tested on April 24, 2010. (A) view looking 

southward from the shakers; (B) view northward from the shakers to the seismometer array along Nambrok 

Road; (C) satellite view of the surrounding area; (D) satellite view of the local site, red and white symbol is 

the location of the shakers, the yellow bar is the seismometer array; (E) site location in Victoria. 
94 

Figure A1-76. Site ID, location, and shear wave velocity for surface wave test site 374NAM. (A) Phase 

velocity versus wavelength for individual empirical dispersion curves; (B) Empirical (red) and theoretical 

(blue) averaged phase velocity versus frequency; (C) Shear wave velocity versus depth.
95 

Figure A1-77. Surface wave test site 375GFW, Giffard West, located 8.4 km NW of Giffard, Victoria (lat -

38.37931, long 146.99754). Pleistocene dunes Giffard West site, tested on April 25, 2010. (A) view looking 

westward in the direction of the seismometer array; (B) view eastward from the shakers; (C) another view 

eastward from the shakers; (D) view to the SW from the shakers; (E) satellite view of the local site, red and 

white symbol is the location of the shakers, the yellow bar is the seismometer array; (F) site location in 

Victoria. 
96 

Figure A1-78. Site ID, location, and shear wave velocity for surface wave test site 375GFW. (A) Phase 

velocity versus wavelength for individual empirical dispersion curves; (B) Empirical (red) and theoretical 

(blue) averaged phase velocity versus frequency; (C) Shear wave velocity versus depth.
97 

Figure A1-79. Surface wave test site 376LNF located about 10 km west of Sale, Victoria (lat -38.10309, 

long 146.95038). Latrobe HHF Kilmany site, tested on April 25, 2010. (A) view looking west from the 

shakers; (B) view SW to the shakers; (C) view SE to the shakers; (D) view southward to the shakers; (E)

satellite view of the local site, red and white symbol is the location of the shakers, the yellow bars are the 

seismometer arrays, spacings up to 50 meters oriented E-W, 87-meter spacing oriented N-NE; (F) site 

location in Victoria. 
98 

Figure A1-80. Site ID, location, and shear wave velocity for surface wave test site 376LNF. (A) Phase 

velocity versus wavelength for individual empirical dispersion curves; (B) Empirical (red) and theoretical 

(blue) averaged phase velocity versus frequency; (C) Shear wave velocity versus depth.
99 

Figure A1-81. Surface wave test site 377LNF located 2 km NW of Longford, Gippsland, Victoria (lat -

38.16047, long 147.05964). Latrobe alluvium-Longford site, tested on April 25, 2010. (A) view looking north 

towards the test site, shakers situated next to the vehicle on left; (B) another view looking north; (C) view 

SE to the shakers; (D) view to the south to the shakers behind the vehicle; (E) satellite view of the local 

site, red and white symbol is the location of the shakers, the yellow bar is the seismometer array; (F) site 

location in Victoria. 
100 

Figure A1-82. Site ID, location, and shear wave velocity for surface wave test site 377LNF. (A) Phase 

velocity versus wavelength for individual empirical dispersion curves; (B) Empirical (red) and theoretical 

(blue) averaged phase velocity versus frequency; (C) Shear wave velocity versus depth.
101 

Figure A1-83. Surface wave test site 378LYN located 3.5 km east of Yallurn North, Gippsland, Victoria (lat 

-38.16361, long 146.4067). Latrobe alluvium Yallourn North site, tested on April 26, 2010. (A) view looking 

south towards the shakers behind the vehicle; (B) view north to the shaker location; (C) view south along 

the seismometer array on Toms Bridge Road; (D) another view to the south; (E) satellite view of the local 

site, red and white symbol is the location of the shakers, the yellow bar is the seismometer array; (F) site 

location in Victoria. 
102 

Figure A1-84. Site ID, location, and shear wave velocity for surface wave test site 378YLN. (A) Phase 

velocity versus wavelength for individual empirical dispersion curves; (B) Empirical (red) and theoretical 

(blue) averaged phase velocity versus frequency; (C) Shear wave velocity versus depth.
103 

Figure A1-85. Surface wave test site 379GLG located 3.5 km S-SW of Glengarry, Gippsland, Victoria (lat -

38.16161, long 146.5567). Latrobe alluvium-Glengarry site, tested on April 26, 2010. (A) view looking SE 

towards the shakers behind the vehicles; (B) view to the east to the shaker location; (C) view SE from 

shakers down the seismometer array; (D) satellite view of the local site, red and white symbol is the 

location of the shakers, the yellow bar is the seismometer array; (E) site location in Victoria. 
104 

Figure A1-86. Site ID, location, and shear wave velocity for surface wave test site 379GLG. (A) Phase 

velocity versus wavelength for individual empirical dispersion curves; (B) Empirical (red) and theoretical 

(blue) averaged phase velocity versus frequency; (C) Shear wave velocity versus depth.
105 

Figure A1-87. Surface wave test site 380HYF located about 1 km SW of Heyfield, Gippsland, Victoria (lat -

37.9900, long 146.7758). Thomson alluvium Heyfield site, tested on April 26, 2010. (A) view looking west 

from the shakers; (B) another view looking westward; (C) view west down the dirt road and seismometer 

array; (D) view of the site looking west from the Traralgon-Maffra Road; (E) satellite view of the local site, 

red and white symbol is the location of the shakers, the yellow bar is the seismometer array; (F) site 

location in Victoria. 
106 

Figure A1-88. Site ID, location, and shear wave velocity for surface wave test site 380HYF. (A) Phase 

velocity versus wavelength for individual empirical dispersion curves; (B) Empirical (red) and theoretical 

(blue) averaged phase velocity versus frequency; (C) Shear wave velocity versus depth.
107 

Figure A1-89. Surface wave test site 381WLS located about 1 km E-NE of Willung South, Victoria (lat -

38.3406, long 146.74089). Willung South ES&S site, tested on April 26, 2010. (A) view looking SW from 

near the shakers; (B) view eastward to the shaker location; (C) another view looking SW on Willung South 

Road; (D) seismometer on road pavement; (E) satellite view of the local site, red and white symbol is the 

location of the shakers, the yellow bar is the seismometer array; (F) site location in Victoria. 
108 

Figure A1-90. Site ID, location, and shear wave velocity for surface wave test site 381WLS. (A) Phase 

velocity versus wavelength for individual empirical dispersion curves; (B) Empirical (red) and theoretical 

(blue) averaged phase velocity versus frequency; (C) Shear wave velocity versus depth.
109 

Figure A1-91. Surface wave test site 382THD located 5.5 km NW of Thomson Dam, Victoria (lat -

37.80987, long 146.35046). Thomson Dam ES&S site, tested on April 27, 2010. (A) view towards the north 

from shakers; (B) view south to the shakers and ES&S seismometer shed beyond vehicle; (C) another view 

south to the ES&S seismometer shed beyond vehicle; (D) view to the north from the ES&S seismometer 

shed; (E) satellite view of the local site, red and white symbol is the location of the shakers, the yellow bar 

is the seismometer array; (F) site location in Victoria. 
110 

Figure A1-92. Site ID, location, and shear wave velocity for surface wave test site 382THD. (A) Phase 

velocity versus wavelength for individual empirical dispersion curves; (B) Empirical (red) and theoretical 

(blue) averaged phase velocity versus frequency; (C) Shear wave velocity versus depth.
111 

Figure A1-93. Surface wave test site 383GMD, Glenmaggie Dam, located 9 km north of Heyfield, Victoria 

(lat -37.90206, long 146.7986). Glenmaggie ES&S site, tested on April 27, 2010. (A) view looking NE 

towards the shaker location beyond the vehicles; (B) view NE from the shakers and downhill to the 

seismometer array; (C) view SW from shakers; (D) view to the SE to the dam; (E) satellite view of the local 

site, red and white symbol is the location of the shakers, the yellow bar is the seismometer array; (F) site 

location in Victoria. 
112 

Figure A1-94. Site ID, location, and shear wave velocity for surface wave test site 383GMD. (A) Phase 

velocity versus wavelength for individual empirical dispersion curves; (B) Empirical (red) and theoretical 

averaged phase velocity (blue) versus frequency; (C) Shear wave velocity versus depth.
113 

Figure A1-95. Surface wave test site 384TLG located 4 km S-SE of Toolangi, Victoria (lat -37.56952, long 

145.49085). Toolangi ANSN site, tested on April 28, 2010. (A) view looking east toward the shakers and 

seismometer array; (B) view westward toward the shakers; (C) view westward to shakers and ANSN 

seismometer station within fenced area; (D) sign on fence; (E) satellite view of the local site, red and white 

symbol is the location of the shakers, the yellow bar is the seismometer array; (F) site location in Victoria. 
114 

Figure A1-96. Site ID, location, and shear wave velocity for surface wave test site 384TLG. (A) Phase 

velocity versus wavelength for individual empirical dispersion curves; (B) Empirical (red) and theoretical 

(blue) averaged phase velocity versus frequency; (C) Shear wave velocity versus depth.
115 

Figure A1-97. Surface wave test site 385GRV located at Greenvale, Victoria (lat -37.61685, long 

144.90262). Greenvale ES&S site, tested on April 28, 2010. (A) view looking NW towards the shakers and 

the seismometer array; (B) another view NW to the seismometer array; (C) view southward from the 

shakers toward the green ES&S seismometer shelter (red arrow); (D) view to the SE to the shakers; (E)

satellite view of the local site, red and white symbol is the location of the shakers, the yellow bar is the 

seismometer array, red arrow indicates the location of the ES&S seismometer; (F) site location in Victoria.
116 

Figure A1-98. Site ID, location, and shear wave velocity for surface wave test site 385GRV. (A) Phase 

velocity versus wavelength for individual empirical dispersion curves; (B) Empirical (red) and theoretical 

(blue) averaged phase velocity versus frequency; (C) Shear wave velocity versus depth
117 

Figure A1-99. Surface wave test site 386FCR located about 10 km SW of Fish Creek, Victoria (lat -

38.75622, long 146.0001). Fish Creek ES&S site, tested on April 29, 2010. (A) view looking NE from the 

shakers uphill toward the seismometer array; (B) view SW toward the shakers; (C) view SE from the 

shakers; (D) satellite view of the local site, red and white symbol is the location of the shakers, the yellow 

bar is the seismometer array; (E) site location in Victoria. 
118 

Figure A1-100. Site ID, location, and shear wave velocity for surface wave test site 386FCR. (A) Phase 

velocity versus wavelength for individual empirical dispersion curves; (B) Empirical (red) and theoretical 

(blue) averaged phase velocity versus frequency; (C) Shear wave velocity versus depth. 
Publishing support provided by the U.S. Geological Survey Science

Publishing Network, Menlo Park and Tacoma Publishing Service Centers

For more information concerning the research in this report, contact the

U.S. Geological Survey 

Pacific Science Center 

400 Natural Bridges Drive 

Santa Cruz, CA 95060 

http://walrus.wr.usgs.gov/
Kayen and others—Shear-Wave Velocity and Site-Amplification Factors for 50 Australian Sites Determined by the Spectral Analysis of Surface Waves Method—Open-File Report 2014–1264

ISSN 2331-1258 (online)

http://dx.doi.org/10.3133/ofr20141264