Spatially Variable Seismic Motions by a U-Shaped Canyon in a Multi-Layered Half-Space

This article theoretically quantifies and investigates the effect of multi-layered topography on the spatially variable seismic motions scattered by a U-shaped canyon in a layered half-space. Compared with single-layered (ideally homogeneous) medium, the challenge is to satisfy the multi-layer case and extend the scope of application. A theoretical solution is derived for the wave filed considering the multi-layered topography effect. Boundary value problem is formulated as a series of algebraic equations of the unknown coefficients of the wave field potentials. Parametric studies show that the multi-layered canyon affects the seismic motions with the layer thickness and depth significantly.