Site characterization of Balikesir—north‐west of Turkey: Case study of Bandırma and Erdek districts

Abstract

This study aims to perform a comprehensive site characterization in the Balıkesir region of north‐western Turkey, with a particular focus on the Bandırma and Erdek districts. Microtremor measurements were carried out at systematically selected locations, and the horizontal‐to‐vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) technique was applied to determine the dominant period and HVSR peak amplitudes ( A ₀ ). In addition, V _s 30 values and soil classification types were obtained using surface wave analysis and evaluated in accordance with the Building Seismic Safety Council guidelines. Based on these results, seismic microzonation maps were generated using ArcGIS to illustrate the spatial distribution of dominant period, HVSR peak amplitudes ( A ₀ ), V _s 30 values and soil classes. These maps were then compared to assess the consistency among HVSR peak amplitudes, dominant period, V _s 30 values and estimated soil depth. In the Bandırma district, HVSR peak amplitudes ( A ₀ ) varied between 0.40 and 8.22, whereas dominant periods ranged from 0.065 s to 2.100 s. In the Erdek district, HVSR peak amplitudes ( A ₀ ) ranged between 0.97 and 6.14, with dominant periods varying from 0.051 s to 3.100 s. The results emphasize the spatial variability of local soil conditions and highlight their potential influence on site response characteristics in urbanized areas. This study contributes to future seismic microzonation efforts and provides fundamental data for earthquake risk mitigation, land‐use planning and seismic hazard assessment in the region.