Seismic properties of soil in the Eastern Baltiс Sea Region based on the horizontal to vertical spectral ratio method

The purpose of this study was to estimate and compare seismic properties of soil under different geological conditions of the southern part of the Baltic Shield and the northwestern part of the East European Platform. Horizontal to vertical spectral ratios (HVSRs) were estimated with respect to seismic stations of the Baltic Virtual Seismic Network (BAVSEN). The HVSRs were made based on the analysis of ambient seismic noise and regional seismic events. Distinct peak amplitudes of HVSRs for the stations located on the Baltic Shield, the southern slope of the Baltic Shield and the sedimentary cover of the northwestern part of East European Platform were revealed. The stability of amplitudes and frequencies of HVSR peaks, soil vulnerability index and interrelation between frequency and unconsolidated sediment thickness were estimated. The results can be of practical importance for the solution of problems of engineering seismology and for the assessment of dynamic properties of soil and vulnerability of buildings.