journal article·2025-03-10Open access

Characterization of the Sedimentary Cover in the City of Aïn Témouchent, Northwest Algeria, Using Ambient Noise Measurements

Ahmed Saadi, Fethi Semmane, Juan José Galiana-Merino, Abdelkrim Yelles-Chaouche, Abdelouahab Issaadi, Billel Melouk

Applied Sciences· Volume 15· Issue 6

Abstract

The city of Aïn Témouchent, located in northwest Algeria at the westernmost part of the Lower Cheliff Basin, has experienced several moderate earthquakes, the most significant of which occurred on 22 December 1999 (Mw 5.7, 25 fatalities, severe damage). In this study, ambient noise measurements from 62 sites were analyzed using the horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) method to estimate fundamental frequency (f0) and amplitude (A0). The inversion of HVSR curves provided sedimentary layer thickness and shear wave velocity (Vs) estimates. Additionally, four spatial autocorrelation (SPAC) array measurements refined the Rayleigh wave dispersion curves, improving Vs profiles (150–1350 m/s) and sediment thickness estimates (up to 390 m in the industrial zone). Vs30 and vulnerability index maps were developed to classify soil types and assess liquefaction potential within the city.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Seismic Waves and Analysis · Landslides and related hazards · Hydrology and Sediment Transport Processes

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Centre de Recherche en Astronomie, Astrophysique et Géophysique (CRAAG), Algiers 16340, Algeria

University Institute of Physics Applied to Sciences and Technologies, University of Alicante, Crta. San Vicente del Raspeig, s/n, 03080 Alicante, Spain

Department of Physics, Systems Engineering, and Signal Theory, University of Alicante, Crta. San Vicente del Raspeig, s/n, 03080 Alicante, Spain

Funding

Conselleria de Educación, Cultura, Universidades y Empleo de la Generalitat Valenciana · Research Group VIGROB-116 (University of Alicante)

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