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WITHDRAWN Frequency-Dependent Transfer Functions for Hydroseisms in Devils Hole

Description: 

WITHDRAWN Devils Hole is a highly sensitive aquifer system situated in southern Nevada that exhibits notable water level variations, referred to as seiches or hydroseisms, in response to significant seismic events worldwide. This study investigates the dynamic response of seiches in Devils Hole to ground displacement triggered by large earthquakes and aims to characterize the frequency-dependent transfer function governing the relationship between ground displacement and water level changes. We conducted a comparative analysis using USGS water level measurements recorded at a frequency of 0.2 Hz from multiple large seismic events that occurred between 2020 and 2021. These measurements were juxtaposed with long-period, three-component seismic data obtained from nearby seismic stations in Furnace Creek and Shoshone, California. Our analysis reveals that the hydroseismic activity is predominantly impervious to Love wave ground motion but is significantly influenced by Rayleigh wave motions, as well as subsequent wave reflections and refractions off the interior walls of Devils Hole.

We used a multi-filter analysis to derive Rayleigh wave dispersion curves from the water level data. We also applied spectral analysis techniques to discern the frequency characteristics of both ground motion and seiche signals. Preliminary findings suggest a repeatable frequency-dependent relationship between ground displacement and water level fluctuations in Devils Hole. For example, in the case of a 20-second Rayleigh wave with a 1 cm displacement, we observed a 20-second period of hydroseisms with an approximate displacement of 25 ± 10 cm. As the periods decrease below 20 seconds, hydroseism reflections from the interior walls of Devils Hole assume greater prominence in the signals, resulting in extended wave trains for water level fluctuations compared to the seismic Rayleigh waves. These outcomes contribute significantly to our understanding of aquifer response to seismic events. Ongoing research efforts include refining the transfer function analysis and further deepening our understanding of this captivating natural phenomenon.

Session: From Earthquake Recordings to Empirical Ground-Motion Modelling [Poster Session]

Type: Poster

Date: 5/2/2024

Presentation Time: 08:00 AM (local time)

Presenting Author: Jesse

Student Presenter: No

Invited Presentation: 

Authors