Date of Award
2026
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Ocean Engineering
Department
Ocean Engineering
First Advisor
Aser Abbas
Abstract
Elevated ground motion amplitudes at individual stations are commonly observed in earthquake datasets, yet the physical causes of these residuals are often not explicitly identified. This study investigates two seismic monitoring stations in southeastern New York that recorded amplified motions during the 2024 Mw 4.8 Tewksbury, New Jersey earthquake. A consistent set of established geophysical methods -- including multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW), passive ambient noise arrays (MAM), stochastic inversion, horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) analysis, and directional spectral ratio techniques -- was applied to directly characterize site conditions and identify the mechanisms contributing to amplification.
Results show that elevated amplitudes can arise from different physical processes depending on site conditions. At one site, amplification is associated with resonance within a thick sedimentary column, while at another, amplification occurs in a shallow bedrock environment and is controlled by topographic geometry and directional wavefield interaction. These findings demonstrate that similar residual behavior can be produced by distinct mechanisms that are not uniquely represented by simplified site parameters.
The study highlights a practical framework for interpreting ground motion residuals through site-specific characterization. By linking observed amplification patterns to underlying physical controls, the results provide insight into how additional site descriptors, such as sediment thickness, resonance frequency, or topographic metrics, may be used to refine representation of site effects in future ground motion prediction equations.
Recommended Citation
Daniele, Patrick, "ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL AMPLIFICATION CAUSES AT COASTAL STRONG MOTION STATIONS WITH ELEVATED GROUND MOTION RESIDUALS FROM THE 2024 TEWKSBURY, NEW JERSEY EARTHQUAKE" (2026). Open Access Master's Theses. Paper 2734.
https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/theses/2734