High‐resolution P‐ and S‐wavefield seismic investigations of a quick‐clay site in southwest of Sweden

Abstract

Seismic investigations were performed at a site in the southwest of Sweden where major quick‐clay landslides have occurred in the past. Given the potential high risk of the area and the presence of medium‐sized infrastructures, the site posed a need for detailed investigations in a wide depth range and in high resolution. A high‐fold seismic survey was designed and conducted along two profiles using 1–2 m receiver and shot spacing in order to retrieve both P‐ and S‐wavefield seismic images from vertical component data. The data were analyzed combining first‐break traveltime tomography and surface‐wave analysis as well as P‐ and S‐wavefield reflection seismic imaging. Using the first breaks, P‐wave velocity (V_P) models were estimated, indicating the bedrock topography along the profiles and the sediment characteristics. The S‐wave velocity (Vs) models were estimated from the surface waves and indicated areas of low shear strength. Combined with V_P and Vs models, this permits the estimation of V_P/V_S, a parameter that can indicate areas with high water content, significant for the detection of quick clays and possible liquefaction issues. The results are integrated with the P‐ and S‐wave reflection seismic images and compared with other geophysical investigations such as magnetic and gravity data that were collected along the profiles.

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