Surface Wave Monitoring
Surface waves are seismic waves similar to ocean waves that propagate along the surface of the earth. Surface waves are created by earthquakes, and represent one of the significant sources of shaking and damage. Any type of "point source" on the surface of the earth creates surface waves that propgate outward from the source.
The speed and amplitude of the waves is dependent on the layered earth properties over which these waves travel. MoMacMo has technologies that allow us to measure the frequency and speed of surface waves, which in turn can be used to estimate earth properites.
Measurements of earth properties are important for many purposes, in particular for "site characterization" where we wish to undertand whether a particular location is suitable for construction. Site characterization is also important for identifying potential hazards such as dangerous waste, subsidence, or landslides.