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Sediment Thicknesses and Qs vs. Qp Relations in the Kachchh

Rift Basin, Gujarat, India Using Sp Converted Phases

Article  in  Pure and Applied Geophysics · August 2007

DOI: 10.1007/s00024-006-0158-3

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Birkhäuser Verlag, Basel, 2006
Pure appl. geophys. 164 (2006) 1–26
DOI 10.1007/s00024-006-0158-3 Pure and Applied Geophysics

Sediment Thicknesses and Qs vs. Qp Relations

in the Kachchh Rift Basin, Gujarat, India Using Sp
Converted Phases
PRANTIK MANDAL

Abstract—Delineation of the top sedimentary structure and its Qs vs. Qp relationship using the
travel-time difference of direct S and converted Sp phase is key to understanding the seismic hazard of
any sedimentary basin area. We constructed filtered displacement waveforms from local ETNA
Episensor acceleration recordings as well as local velocity recordings of aftershocks of the 2001 Bhuj
earthquake recorded by the Kachchh seismological network of the National Geophysical Research
Institute (NGRI), Hyderabad, India during 2001–2004. Stations are within 15–70km of epicenters, and
the resulting displacement waveforms are generally simple, displaying prominent P, Sp, and S wave
pulses. Particle motion of P and S waves suggest near-vertical raypaths consistent with preliminary
depth estimates. The direct S wave on the horizontal component is characterized by lower frequency
content than the converted Sp phase on the vertical component. This difference in frequency content
between S and Sp phases can be explained in terms of different attenuation effects for P and S waves
in the unconsolidated sediments. The Sp phase is generated by S-to-P phase conversion at the base of
Mesozoic sediments of the Kachchh basin. Travel-time inversion (VELEST) of 2565 P and 2380 S
arrivals from 658 well located aftershocks recorded at 8–14 three-component local seismic stations led
to 1 D velocity models indicated very slow sediments in the upper 0–2 km depth range (Vp: 2.92 km/s
and Vs: 0.90 km/s) and an increasing trend of velocities with depth at 2–40 km depth. The estimated
sediment thicknesses beneath 12 accelerograph and 6 seismograph sites from the estimated velocity
model and the travel-time difference between S and converted Sp phases reaches a maximum of (1.534
± 0.117) km beneath Bandri (near the location of 2001 MS) and attains a minimum sediment
thickness of (0.858 ± 0.104) km beneath Ramvav and Burudia. The spectral ratios between Sp and S
from 159 three-component accelerograms have been used to study seismic wave attenuation in the
Kachchh rift basin. The estimated Qs vs. Qp relations for 12 accelerograph sites vary from Qs = 0.184
Qp (at Chobari) to Qs = 0.505 Qp (at Dudhai). For stations Chobari, Chopdwa, Jahawarnagar, Vondh
and Tapar, the spectral ratio slopes and hence the calculated Qs vs. Qp relations are effectively the
same, and the correlation coefficients are quite high (0.91–0.93). Stations Adhoi, Manfara, New
Dudhai, Dudhai and Sikara have similar Qs vs. Qp relationships to each other and also have high
correlation coefficients (0.78–0.87). The spectral ratios for stations Anjar and Ramvav are small and
poorly constrained, resulting in less reliable Qs vs. Qp relations. This could be due to noisy data, fewer
available waveforms, or scattering due to velocity heterogeneities and/or interface irregularities.

Key words: Converted phases, thickness of sediments, attenuation, quality factors, sedimentary basin.

National Geophysical Research Institute, Uppal Road, Hyderabad, India.

E-mail: prantikmandal@yahoo.com

S B 0 1 0 1 5 8
Journal number Manuscript number B Dispatch: 14.12.2006
Author’s disk received 4
Journal: Pure and applied Geophysics
Used 4 Corrupted Mismatch
No. of pages: 26
Keyed
2 P. Mandal Pure appl. geophys.,

Introduction

Converted phases (S-to-P or P-to-S) from abrupt velocity changes are widely used
in the receiver function analysis of teleseismic P waves for constraining upper mantle
and crustal structure. Travel-time differences between the direct and converted
phases have been used to estimate the thicknesses of the sedimentary layers in the San
Francisco Bay area, USA (HOUGH, 1990). Further, the spectral ratio between Sp-
converted phase and direct S phase has been widely used to study the seismic wave
attenuation in terms of quality factors in sedimentary basins (CLOUSER AND
LANGSTON, 1991; CHEN et al., 1994; CHAPMAN et al., 2003). However, LANGSTON
(2003) drew attention to the fact that the Sp/S spectral ratio method could not
provide any evidence of highly attenuating unconsolidated sediments of the
Mississipi embayment because of wave-propagation effects.
The Kachchh area lies in seismic zone V of India, and has experienced two
earthquakes of Mw ‡ 7.7 within a span of 182 years (BIS, 2003; MANDAL et al.,
2004a). In addition, we know that the region has experienced several moderate-size
earthquakes since 1668 (RAJENDRAN and RAJENDRAN, 1998). The last major
earthquake of Mw 6.1 prior to the 2001 Bhuj earthquake occurred near Anjar in 1956
(CHUNG and GAO, 1995). Such a high level of seismic activity calls for a quantitative
evaluation of the seismic hazard for the region. Understanding attenuation is
necessary to predict ground motion for estimating seismic hazard, however there are
few studies of the attenuation characteristics of the seismically active Kachchh
region. Only three strong ground motion records are available for the 2001 Gujarat,
India earthquake (the peak ground accelerations of 0.1, 0.008, and 0.005 g are
indicated at Ahmedabad, Delhi, and Roorkee, at distances of 240, 850 and 1000 km,
respectively), which indicated an attenuation relation similar to eastern North
America (PETERSEN et al., 2002). Similar results ensued that were further supported
by SRR data of the 2001 Bhuj earthquake (CRAMER and KUMAR, 2003). Recently,
SINGH et al. (2003) reported a large regional Q value on the order of 580 for the
whole Peninsular India including Kachchh, Gujarat, based on their ground motion
estimation using broad-band data of the 2001 Bhuj main shock and two large
aftershocks. The Lg wave Q tomography for Eurasia, using broadband and short-
period seismograms from regional networks, implies a higher Qo (Q at 1 Hz) value
on the order of 700–800 over the Kachchh, Gujarat (MITCHELL et al., 1997). This
higher estimate of Qo can be attributed to the fact that the Lg coda wave averages
over a broad region, and energy does not travel entirely along a great circle path
between source and receiver (MITCHELL et al., 1997). However, MANDAL et al.
(2004), based on their coda Q (Qc) study using 2001 Bhuj aftershocks, suggested an
average low Qc value of 102 at 1 Hz beneath the 2001 Bhuj epicentral zone.
Therefore, it is important to study the attenuation of seismic waves in the sediments
of the Kachchh basin, to aid in the prediction of ground motion for this seismically
important region in India.
Vol. 164, 2006 Qs vs. Qp Relations in the Kachchh Rift Basin 3

In the present study, we estimated sediment thicknesses using travel-time

differences between direct S and converted Sp phases by analyzing the three-
component digital acceleration/velocity recordings recorded by 12 accelerograph and
6 seismograph stations in the Kachchh, Gujarat, India. The displacement waveforms
obtained from these recordings are characterized by (i) at least two prominent
secondary phases (Sp on the vertical and Ps on the two horizontal seismograms)
between the direct P and S arrivals and (ii) clear direct, low frequency S waves on the
two horizontal seismograms. The average shear-wave velocity structures for the
region have been delineated by the inversion of receiver function of teleseismic P
waves, which is constrained by the results of 1-D, 3-D travel-time inversion of local
earthquakes and seismic refraction (MANDAL, 2006; MANDAL et al., 2004 a,b; REDDY
et al., 2001). The estimated travel-time differences between Sp and S have been used
to estimate the average sediment thickness beneath each NGRI station. Lower
frequency content than that of the converted Sp phase on the vertical component
characterizes the direct S wave on the horizontal component. Finally, this difference
in frequency content between S and Sp phases observed on the high quality
accelerograms recorded at 12 accelerograph sites enabled us to study the relationship
between Qp and Qs in the Kachchh rift basin.

Geologic and Tectonic Setting

The kachchh region in western India consists of 2000-to 3000-m thick Mesozoic
and 1000 m of Tertiary sediments deposited in a rift basin. The main structural
features in the region are a series of E-W trending uplifts along master faults (thrusts)
(Fig. 1). The uplifted portions are areas occupied by Mesozoic and Tertiary rocks,
whereas the residual depressions and low-lying regions between the uplifts consist of
Quaternary sediments in the alluvial mud flats and salt pans of the Great and Little
Ranns and Banni plains (BISWAS, 1987). All the major uplifts are bounded at least on
one side by a fault or monoclinal flexures, and on the other side by gently dipping
planes. These uplifts comprise blocks, which are tilted towards south (MERH, 1995).
The major faults in the region are: i) Nagar Parkar fault (NPF), ii) Allah Bund fault
(ABF), iii) Island Belt fault (IBF), iv) Wagad fault, v) Kachchh Mainland fault
(KMF) and vi) Katrol Hill fault (KHF).

Local Seismic and Accelerograph Network

The National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), Hyderabad, India has

been monitoring the aftershock activity of the January 26, 2001 Bhuj earthquake
since February 4, 2001. From February 2001 until July 2002, NGRI’s local digital
seismograph network consisted of eight stations. Each station in the network
4 P. Mandal Pure appl. geophys.,

Figure 1
Map showing major E-W trending faults in the Kachchh region, Gujarat India. NPF = Nagar Parkar
Fault; IBF = Island Belt Fault; NWF = North Wagad Fault; KMF = Kachchh Mainland Fault; KMU
= Kachchh mainland Uplift; KHF = Katrol Hill Fault. Accelerographs and seismographs are marked by
open diamonds and solid triangles, respectively. A star shows the epicenter of the main earthquake of
January 26, 2001 of Mw 7.7. The focal mechanism solution of USGS showing reverse faulting on a
southwest dipping fault is also shown. The inset shows the key map for the area with reference to Indian
plate boundaries.

consisted of a 24-bit recorder with an external hard disk (2 GB) and a GPS timing
system. Six of these were equipped with short-period seismometers (frequency range
1–40 Hz) and two with broadband sensors (frequency range 0.01–40 Hz). The
distance between stations and epicenters varies from 14 km to 90 km. Recording was
done in a continuous mode at 100 samples per second. Some station locations were
shifted during the study period making a total of 12 station sites. Further, we used
data from temporary seismic networks installed by CERI, University of Memphis,
USA (from 13–27 February, 2001) and Hirosaki University, Japan (from 28
Vol. 164, 2006 Qs vs. Qp Relations in the Kachchh Rift Basin 5

February to 7 March, 2001), which provided a total of 28 stations with phase data
from a maximum at any one time of 18 stations to locate earthquakes delineating the
immediate aftershock zone (MANDAL et al., 2004 a,b).
In August 2002, this network was reduced to five seismic stations: three equipped
with three-component broadband CMG-40T sensors and the other two with three-
component short-period L4-3D sensors. Additionally, NGRI installed a digital
network of ten strong motion accelerographs (within about 30 km radius of the
aftershock zone covering an area of 30 km · 40 km), to obtain a better idea of
seismotectonics and seismic hazard of the region. The study area lies in the latitude
range 23.27–23.55oN and longitude range 70.12–70.50oE (Fig. 1). The accelerograph
stations were equipped with Kinematrics three-component Episensor and ETNA
recorders. The triggering and de-triggering levels for accelerographs vary from 0.5 to
0.1 % of the maximum of 2.5 volts. All accelerographs are set for triggered mode for
recording at trigger levels of 0.2 to 0.5% of maximum with a sample rate of 200
samples per second and continuous GPS time synchronization.

Aftershock Data

The aftershock activity has been very intensive and is continuing with occasional
occurrences of M 3 and M 4 aftershocks. The most recent M 5.6 aftershock occurred
on 6th April, 2006, more than five years after the main shock. Until April 2006, 14
earthquakes of magnitude exceeding 5, over 170 earthquakes of 5 ‡ M > 4.0 and
several thousand earthquakes of M £ 4 have occurred. We used 389 selected
aftershocks of magnitude 2.5 to 4.6 for the site response study, recorded by the
NGRI’s local seismic network from August, 2002 to August, 2004. Figure 2 shows
three-component accelerograms of one M4 aftershock.

1-D Velocity Inversion

Initial aftershock locations were obtained using the program HYPO71Pc (LEE
and VALDES, 1985) and the one-dimensional velocity model that was obtained from
the Geophysical integrated survey and controlled source seismics (GUPTA et al., 2001;
KAILA et al., 1981). The average P-wave velocity of the Mesozoic sediments was
estimated to be 2.4 km/sec from the controlled seismics results (GUPTA et al., 2001;
KAILA et al., 1981; MANDAL et al., 2004a). Recently, the inversion of teleseismic
receiver function revealed that the Moho depth for the Kachchh region varies from
39–49 km and an average Moho depth of 40 km at Bhachau (MANDAL, 2006). We
performed our velocity inversion using VELEST (KISSLING, 1995) at Bhachau
because a crustal model beneath Bhachau was available from the integrated
Geophysical survey (GUPTA et al., 2001). The velocity model consists of nine layers,
6 P. Mandal Pure appl. geophys.,

2 P Sp VERT
0

Acceleration (cm/s*s)
-2
6
s N-S
4
2

-2
-4
6 E-W
2
-2
-6
0 1 2 3 4 5

Figure 2
A plot showing the three-component accelerograms for an Mw 4.0 aftershock recorded at Adhoi
accelerograph station of the NGRI local seismological network. The direct P and S, as well as the
converted Sp wave have been marked clearly.

the tops of which are at 0.0, 2.0, 10.0, 15.0, 20.0, 25.0, 30.0, 35.0, and 40.0 km, with
P-wave velocities of 2.4, 6.00, 6.10, 6.20, 6.40, 6.68, 6.68, 6.68 and 8.20 km/s,
respectively (Fig. 3). This velocity model was constructed based on seismic
refraction, gravity, magnetic, electrical and teleseismic receiver function studies of
the region (GUPTA et al, 2001; KAILA et al, 1981; MANDAL, 2006). Since the NGRI
stations are closely spaced in the epicentral zone, at least one station was always
within a distance of the hypocentral depth, which enabled good control on the focal
depth estimation. 70% weight was assigned to impulsive clear P picks, while 10% to
weak emergent P phases. The P-to-S converted phases are weak S arrivals followed
by a strong S. By avoiding the weak beginning of the S-wave train and picking up S
at the strong arrival, P-to-S converted phase is excluded. A maximum of 50% weight
was assigned to clear S picks and 5% to weak S phases. The Vp/Vs ratio is fixed at
1.73. The root-mean-square errors in P residual are on the order of 0.3 s, and, root-
mean-square errors in Sresidual are on the order of 0.35 s. The mean horizontal and
vertical single 90% confidence estimates are 1.0 and 2.0 km, respectively, for the
aftershocks.
In this study, an inversion technique (KISSLING, 1995) was applied to estimate a
more reliable 1-D velocity model with station corrections. At first we selected high-
quality 2565 P arrivals, and 2380 S arrivals from 658 well-located aftershocks (during
February to May, 2001) recorded at 8 to 18 three-component digital stations (error in
epicentral location (ERH) <1.0 km, error in focal depth (ERZ) <2.0 km; azimuthal
gap between recording stations (GAP) <180o and root-mean-squares error in P
residual (RMS) <0.2 s), and using the initial crustal velocity structure around the
study area discussed above (e.g., KAILA et al., 1981; GUPTA et al., 2001; MANDAL et
Vol. 164, 2006 Qs vs. Qp Relations in the Kachchh Rift Basin 7

Vp (km/sec)
(a) 2 4 6 8 10
0
Vp Model
Depth to Initial Final
the top of (km/s) (km/s)
10 layer (km)
0.0 2.40 2.92
2.0 6.00 5.99
Depth (km)
5.0 6.10 5.90
20 10.0 6.20 6.18
16.0 6.40 6.07
22.0 6.68 6.59
29.0 6.68 7.20
30 34.0 6.68 6.78
40.0 8.20 8.20

40
Initial
Final
50

(b) Vs (km/sec)
0 1 2 3 4 5
0
Vs Model
Depth to Initial Final
10 the top of (km/s) (km/s)
layer (km)
0.0 1.00 0.90
2.0 3.49 3.49
Depth (km)

20 5.0 3.36 3.37

10.0 3.56 3.60
16.0 3.60 3.60
22.0 3.70 3.73
30 29.0 3.80 3.99
34.0 3.80 3.44
40.0 4.70 4.70

40
Initial
50 Final

Figure 3
Initial (marked by dashed line) and final velocity (marked by solid line) models. (a) for P wave and (b) for S
wave. The velocities are also shown in tabular form.

al., 2004a, b; MANDAL and PUJOL, 2006; MANDAL, 2006). Then, we relocated events,
as shown in Figure 4 assuming the above-mentioned initial velocity structure model
(Fig. 3). Finally, we estimated a more reliable P and S wave velocity model and
station corrections, using the method of local earthquake data inversion.

Minimum 1-D Velocity Model for the Region

Applying the VELEST software (KISSLING, 1995), we estimated the velocity

model and station coordinates by trial and error. In this process we needed to
8 P. Mandal Pure appl. geophys.,

(a) (b)

(c)

Figure 4
(a) Relocated epicenters of selected 658 aftershocks using VELEST, which have occurred during 12–28
February, 2001. The inferred causative fault (NWF) is shown by a dotted line. (b) Hypocentral depth plots
of selected earthquakes in the N-S cross section. A solid grey line shows the inferred causative fault. (c)
Hypocentral depth plots of selected earthquakes in the E-W cross section. Depth and horizontal errors of
the hypocenters are relatively small inside the network, while they are relatively large outside the network.
A solid star shows the epicenter for the 2001 Bhuj main shock.

search for the minimal RMS misfit solution by varying velocity model parameters
within a certain reasonable range. After several runs using different initial velocity
models (varying layer thicknesses and velocities), hypocentral parameters and
control parameters, the final 1-D P-wave velocity model (Fig. 3) was obtained on
the basis of the minimum RMS misfit. The final models for P as well as S waves
obtained from inversion are shown in Figures 3(a, b). On an average both Vp and
Vs show an increase from surface to Moho depth (i.e., 40 km) except for a low
velocity in the 34–40 km depth range. The first upper crustal layer (0–2 km)
consisting of Tertiary and Jurassic sediments suggests an increase in Vp from
2.4 km/s to 2.92 km/s and a decrease in Vs from 1.0 km/s to 0.9 km/s in
comparison to the above-discussed initial model. The second crustal layer (2–5 km)
shows in significant change in Vp or Vs in comparison to the initial model. In the
Vol. 164, 2006 Qs vs. Qp Relations in the Kachchh Rift Basin 9

5–10-km depth range, compared to the initial model, Vp shows a decrease of

0.2 km/s (Vp: 5.9 km/s), whereas, Vs suggests a slight increase of 0.01 (Vs:
3.37 km/s). In the 10–16-km depth range, compared to the initial model, Vp shows
a slight decrease of 0.02 km/s (Vp: 6.18 km/s), whereas, Vs suggests a slight
increase of 0.04 (Vs: 3.60 km/s). Interestingly, in the 16–22 km depth range there is
no change in Vs, but Vp shows a decrease of 0.33 km/s (Vp: 6.07 km/s). In the 22–
29 km depth range, compared to the initial model, Vp shows a decrease of
0.07 km/s (Vp: 6.59 km/s), whereas, Vs shows a slight increase of 0.03 km/s (Vs:
3.73 km/s). There is an increase in both Vp and Vs in the 29–34 km depth range
compared to the initial model. However, the low P- and S- wave velocities
characterize the 34–40 km depth range, where Vp shows an increase of 0.1 km/s
(Vp: 6.78) and Vs suggests a reduction of 0.36 km/s compared to the initial model.
At the Moho depth (40 km), Vp and Vs show no change compared to the initial
model.
The 1-D velocity inversion reduced the RMS residual by 42% from 0.2 to
0.084 sec and improved routine earthquake locations, which clearly indicated
clusters of hypocenters in the aftershock zone of the 2001 Bhuj earthquake. The
relocated aftershocks delineate an EW trending plane extending from 10-to 40-km
depth with southward dip of 45o and covering an area of 60 · 40 km2 (Figs. 4a, b).
Most of the earthquakes continue to occur between the north Wagad fault (NWF)
and the Kachchh mainland fault (KMF) (MANDAL et al., 2004a). The surface
expression of NWF is hidden beneath the Banni plains comprising soft sediments and
extending along Wagad uplift (BISWAS, 1987). It is important to note that the
geological trenching data suggest the possible surface exposure of the causative fault
of 2001 Bhuj main shock at Burudia, where the upward projection of our aftershock
zone touches the surface as shown in Figure 4b (MCCALPIN and THAKKAR, 2003).
Strike-parallel (E-W) hypocentral depth section suggests a significant variation in the
brittle/ductile transition depth (up to 7 km) beneath the aftershock zone where the
earthquake foci in both western and eastern ends are confined to as much as 28 km
depth while in the central aftershock zone they are limited to the extent of 35-km
depth (Fig. 4c). Focal mechanism solutions of a few of the major aftershocks
obtained from waveform inversion of broadband data indicate a dominant reverse
movement on the NWF (MANDAL et al., 2004a).

Observed Waveforms

We constructed filtered displacement waveforms from local ETNA Episensor

acceleration recordings as well as local velocity recordings of aftershocks of the 2001
Bhuj earthquake recorded by the Kachchh seismological network of the National
Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), Hyderabad, India during 2001–2004.
Stations are within 15–70 km of epicenters. The resulting displacement waveforms
10 P. Mandal Pure appl. geophys.,

are generally simple, displaying prominent P, Sp, and S wave pulses. Particle motion
of P and S waves show near-vertical ray paths. The direct P and S waves, and the
converted Sp phases are easily identifiable on the three-component accelerogram
(Fig. 2). In general, the converted Sp waves are impulsive and strong on the vertical
seismogram therefore, they are easier to pick than the weak Ps phases on the radial
and transverse components. Hence, the travel-time differences between the S and the
Sp phases are used in this study to estimate the sedimentary layer thickness beneath
each NGRI station.

Estimation of Travel-Time Differences

The travel-time differences between the direct S and the Sp for many different
earthquakes at different epicentral distances and azimuths from the same station are
measured and plotted (Figs. 5 (i–vi)). To first-order, for a fixed station the travel-time

(i) ADHOI (ii) DUDHAI

t (s-sp) (insec)

t (s-sp)(insec)

1.8 t (S -Sp) = 0.76 0.07 sec 1.8 t (S -Sp) = 0.91 0.14 sec
1.5 1.5
1.2 1.2
0.9 0.9
0.6 0.6
0.3 0.3
0.0 0.0
0 20 40 60 0 20 40 60
Epic. Dist. (km) Epic. Dist. (km)

(iii) CHOBARI (iv) CHOPADWA

t (s-sp) (insec)

t (s-sp)(insec)

1.8 t (S -Sp) = 0.77 0.08 sec 1.8 t (S -Sp) = 0.85 0.10 sec
1.5 1.5
1.2 1.2
0.9 0.9
0.6 0.6
0.3 0.3
0.0 0.0
0 20 40 60 0 20 40 60
Epic. Dist. (km) Epic. Dist. (km)

(v) ANJAR (vi) BHACHAU

t (s-sp) (insec)

t (s-sp)(insec)

1.8 t (S -Sp) = 0.8477 0.1019 sec 1.8 t (S -Sp) = 0.77 0.08 sec
1.5 1.5
1.2 1.2
0.9 0.9
0.6 0.6
0.3 0.3
0.0 0.0
0 20 40 60 80 100 0 20 40 60 80
Epic. Dist. (km) Epic. Dist. (km)

Figure 5
Plots of travel-time differences between direct S and the converted Sp waves for different earthquakes as a
function of epicentral distances recorded at the same station. (i) Adhoi, (ii) Dudhai, (iii) Chobari, (iv)
Chopadwa, (v) Anjar and (vi) Bhachau.
Vol. 164, 2006 Qs vs. Qp Relations in the Kachchh Rift Basin 11

differences between the direct S and Sp arrivals are independent of epicentral distance
and azimuth, which suggest that the large amplitude, impulsive Sp phase on the
vertical seismograms must be generated at a near constant depth beneath the station.
The travel-time differences between the direct S waves and the converted Sp waves
vary at different stations, indicating the variable conversion depths beneath different
stations (Figs. 5(i–vi)). The travel-time differences between the direct S waves and the
converted Sp phases beneath each NGRI station are listed in Table 1. The maximum
and minimum values of travel-time differences between the direct S waves and the
converted Sp phases are 1.14 sec. at Bandri, and 0.66 sec. at both Ramvav and
Burudia, respectively.

Table 1
t(s-sp) for NGRI Strong Motion/Seismograph seismological network

Station Data Lon.(E) Lat.(N) t(s-sp) ts tsp h

used (sec.) (sec.) (sec.) (km)

Adhoi 70.50 23.21 0.76 ± 0.07 1.10 0.34 0.989 ± 0.09 15

Chobari 70.33 23.52 0.77 ± 0.08 1.11 0.34 1.002 ± 0.10 09
Chopdawa 70.29 23.27 0.85 ± 0.07 1.23 0.38 1.105 ± 0.09 13
Dudhai 70.12 23.31 0.91 ± 0.11 1.31 0.41 1.183 ± 0.14 25
Manfara 70.35 23.48 0.79 ± 0.09 1.14 0.35 1.027 ± 0.12 18
Ramvav 70.47 23.54 0.66 ± 0.08 0.95 0.29 0.858 ± 0.10 14
Sikara 70.29 23.33 0.95 ± 0.11 1.37 0.42 1.235 ± 0.14 06
Tapar 70.13 23.24 0.85 ± 0.14 1.23 0.38 1.105 ± 0.18 10
Vondh 70.40 23.29 0.75 ± 0.12 1.08 0.33 0.975 ± 0.16 16
Jahwar -nagar 70.00 23.36 1.02 ± 0.17 1.47 0.45 1.326 ± 0.22 17
Anjar 70.02 23.11 0.81 ± 0.08 1.17 0.36 1.053 ± 0.10 06
New- Dudhai 70.14 23.32 0.96 ± 0.09 1.37 0.43 1.248 ± 0.12 20
Mai 70.38 23.43 0.95 ± 0.14 1.37 0.42 1.235 ± 0.18 04
Daneti 69.91 23.25 0.97 ± 0.12 1.40 0.43 1.261 ± 0.16 04
Satapar 70.34 23.28 0.74 ± 0.09 1.07 0.33 0.962 ± 0.12 11
Meghpar 70.35 23.39 1.08 ± 0.08 1.56 0.48 1.404 ± 0.10 09
Bandri 70.31 23.39 1.18 ± 0.09 1.70 0.53 1.534 ± 0.12 07
Kumbardi 70.26 23.34 0.78 ± 0.08 1.13 0.35 1.014 ± 0.10 15
Kodki 69.55 23.24 0.71 ± 0.06 1.03 0.32 0.923 ± 0.08 02
Burudia 70.41 23.56 0.66 ± 0.09 0.95 0.29 0.858 ± 0.12 16
Bhuj* 69.65 23.25 0.87 ± 0.19 1.26 0.39 1.131 ± 0.25 16
Gandhi- Dham* 70.11 23.06 0.90 ± 0.11 1.30 0.40 1.170 ± 0.14 10
Kavada* 69.73 23.84 1.00 ± 0.14 1.44 0.45 1.300 ± 0.18 15
Fategar* 70.84 23.70 0.70 ± 0.10 1.01 0.31 0.910 ± 0.13 17
Gadhada* 70.37 23.86 0.78 ± 0.13 1.13 0.35 1.014 ± 0.17 23
Bhachau* 70.34 23.30 0.76 ± 0.07 1.10 0.34 0.989 ± 0.09 05
*
Seismograph Stations.
ts: theoretical travel time of S phase in the basin (=sediment thickness/Vs).
tsp: theoretical travel time of Sp phase in the basin (=sediment thickness/Vp).
t(s-sp): observed travel-time difference between direct S and converted Sp phases.
h : estimated sediment thickness in km based on observed.
12 P. Mandal Pure appl. geophys.,

Estimation of Sediment Thicknesses

The converted waves are almost vertically incident to surface stations due to a large
velocity contrast across the boundary between the extremely low velocity sediments
and the underlying Precambrian granite basement (BISWAS, 1987). At the Banni deep
well (northwest of the epicentral area), Precambrian granite porphyry/rhyolite is
found at a depth of 1718.5 m (SINGH et al., 1982). Thus, the travel-time difference
between the direct and the converted phases from the Precambrian basement enables
us to map the basement beneath the epicentral region of the 2001 Bhuj main shock.
The travel-time difference between the direct and the converted phases at a
surface station on the sediments can be written as (CHEN et al., 1994),

dtðS
SpÞ ¼ h ½ðVp  VS Þ=ðVS  Vp Þ; ð1Þ

where, dt (S-Sp) is the travel-time difference between the direct S wave and the
converted Sp phase, h* is the thickness of the sediments beneath the station, and Vp
and Vs are the averaged P- and S- wave velocities in the sediments, respectively. A
Shear-wave velocity of 0.90 km/s and a P-wave velocity of 2.92 km/s have been used
for the computation of the travel times. The estimated travel-time differences between
the direct S-wave and the converted Sp phase, as well as their standard deviation and
sediment thickness for 20 NGRI accelerograph and six seismograph stations, are
listed in Table 1. The maximum and minimum values of estimated sediment thickness
are (1.534 ± 0.117) km beneath Bandri (near the location of the 2001 Bhuj main
shock) and (0.858 ± 0.104) km beneath Ramvav and Burudia, respectively.

Determination of Qs vs. Qp Relationship in the Sedimentary Basins

Since the raypaths of both direct S and the converted Sp phases are
approximately the same from the bottom of the sedimentary basin to the surface,
the difference in frequency content between the two phases must arise from relative
attenuation (anelastic) in the basin, because the conversion/transmission coefficients
for Sp and S are frequency-independent (CLOUSER and LANGSTON, 1991). The
frequency domain amplitude spectra for the S and Sp phases can be written as
(CLOUSER and LANGSTON, 1991),

S(f) ¼ As ðfÞTSS U e
pfts =Qs ð2Þ

Sp ðf Þ ¼ As ðfÞTSp U e
pftsp =Qp ; ð3Þ

where f is frequency (in Hz), As (f) is the spectrum of the S-wave pulse incident at the
basin/basement interface, TSSU is the upgoing S-wave transmission coefficient, and
TSPU is the upgoing S-to-P conversion coefficient. We note that scattering may play a
role in frequency-dependent attenuation, and the values of Q estimated on the basis
Vol. 164, 2006 Qs vs. Qp Relations in the Kachchh Rift Basin 13

of equations (2) and (3) necessarily include the combined effects of anelastic loss and
any unmodeled loss by scattering. In the exponentials, ts and tsp are the S-wave and
Sp-wave travel times through the sedimentary basin, and QP and QS are the
frequency-independent P-wave and S-wave quality factors.
Taking the logarithm (Log10) of the ratio between the Sp and S amplitude
spectra, the source terms cancel, and we obtain

log½Sp(f)/S(f) ¼ log½TU U
Sp =TSS  þ p f½tS =QS
tSp =QP : ð4Þ

Thus, a plot of the log spectral ratio in log-amplitude frequency space should be a
straight line with slope
m ¼ p½tS =QS
tSp =QP : ð5Þ

The zero frequency intercept of this line is the logarithm of the conversion/
transmission coefficient ratio. Rearranging terms in the equation (5) one can obtain
the relation between QS vs. QP:

QS ¼ tS ½m=p þ tSp =QP 
1 : ð6Þ

In order to implement the spectral ratio method, it is necessary to select the
appropriate time window to isolate the S and Sp arrivals while computing the
amplitude spectra. Time windows of 10.24 sec. duration were picked on the vertical
component for Sp and on the transverse component for S (Fig. 2). Then, the trend
was removed from these waveforms and a 10% cosine taper was applied at both
ends. The windows were chosen to minimize contamination by coda energy,
particularly following the Sp phase. In this paper we have given acceleration spectra
of S, Sp and background noise estimated at Adhoi, Chopdwa and Jahwarnagar
stations for twelve different events (Figs. 6 (i–iii)). We selected these three stations
because of the following considerations:
 Adhoi station represents the tectonics related to the Wagad uplift.
 Chopdwa represents the tectonics related to the region near the 2001 Bhuj main
shock.
 Jawaharnagar has maximum estimated sediment thickness representing tectonics
related to the Banni region.
Finally, the spectral ratios (Sp/S) estimated for different events recorded at the
same station were averaged to avoid the final result being contaminated by source
effects. For computation of averages we used only those spectra whose S/N is greater
than 3.5. Then, a common slope (CLOUSER and LANGSTON, 1991; CHEN et al., 1994)
is estimated for each station by using least-squares fit over the spectral ratios for
those events recorded at the same station (Figs. 7 (a-l)). To avoid low-frequency
noise, the bandwidth over which the line was fit extended over the range of maximum
power in the S and Sp amplitude spectra, begins at 1 Hz.
14 P. Mandal Pure appl. geophys.,

(i)
(b) -2
(a)10-2 10
-3 -3
10 10

-4 -4
10 10

-5 -5
10 10
-6 -6
10 10
-7 -7
10 10
0 10 20 30 40 50 0 10 20 30 40 50
Frequency (Hz) Frequency (Hz)

(c) -2 (d) 10-3

10

-3 -4
10 10

-4
10 -5
10
-5
10
-6
10
-6
10
-7 -7
10 10
0 30 0 10 20 30 40 50
10 20 40 50
Frequency (Hz) Frequency (Hz)

(ii)
(a) (b) -2
-2
10 10

-3 -3
10 10

-4 -4
10 10

-5 -5
10 10

-6 -6
10 10

-7 -7
10 10
0 10 20 30 40 50 0 10 20 30 40 50
Frequency (Hz) Frequency (Hz)

(c) -3 (d) 10 -2
10
-3
10
-4
10 -4
10
-5 -5
10 10
-6
10
-6
10 -7
10
-7 -8
10 10
0 10 20 30 40 50 0 10 20 30 40 50
Frequency (Hz) Frequency (Hz)

Figure 6
(i): Spectra of S, Sp and noise (from vertical) for ADHOI SMA stations (a) event1, (b) event2, (c) event3,
and (d) event4. The solid line represents the spectra for the S waves. Longer dashes represent the noise
spectra, while smaller dashes mark the Sp spectra. (ii): Same as Figure 6 (i) for CHOPDWA SMA station
(a) event1, (b) event2, (c) event3, and (d) event4. (iii): Same as Figure 6 (i) for JAWAHARNAGAR SMA
station (a) event1, (b) event2, (c) event3, and (d) event4.
Vol. 164, 2006 Qs vs. Qp Relations in the Kachchh Rift Basin 15

Figure 6
(Contd.)

Data from more than one event were used to determine the Qs vs. Qp relationship
independently for each station of the strong motion accelerograph network of the
National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), Hyderabad, India. The slope of
the spectral ratio, the standard error, cross-correlation coefficient and the number of
data used for each station are listed in Table 3. First the average spectral ratio (Sp/S)
of all the events considered for each station is estimated. After obtaining the average
spectral ratio over the range in frequencies, a least-squares linear fit is used to
estimate the slope, standard error, and correlation coefficient at each station. Table 3
shows that the correlation coefficients are small (0.69) for Anjar and Ramvav
(0.74), whereas for other stations they suggest larger values more than 0.75. Thus,
our estimates for Anjar and Ramvav have more errors than other stations. All plots
are drawn for the frequency range 1–25 Hz. Table 4 shows Qs vs. Qp relations in the
sedimentary basin of the Kachchh, Gujarat, India. Included curves are of Qs vs. Qp
for each of twelve SMA stations.

Results and Discussions

The local digital NGRI seismological network in the Kachchh, Gujarat, India
has provided sufficient high-resolution three-component accelerograms and
16 P. Mandal Pure appl. geophys.,

(a) 1.5 (b) 1.5

ADHOI ANJAR
1.0 1.0

0.5 0.5

0.0 0.0

-0.5 -0.5

-1.0 -1.0

-1.5 -1.5
0 5 10 15 20 25 0 5 10 15 20 25
Frequency(Hz) Frequency(Hz)

(c) 1.5 (d) 1.5

CHOBARI CHOPDWA
1.0 1.0
0.5 0.5

0.0 0.0

-0.5 -0.5

-1.0 -1.0
-1.5 -1.5
0 5 10 15 20 25 0 5 10 15 20 25
Frequency(Hz) Frequency(Hz)

(e) 1.5 (f) 1.5

DUDHAI JAWAHARNAGAR
1.0 1.0
0.5 0.5

0.0 0.0

-0.5 -0.5

-1.0 -1.0
-1.5 -1.5
0 5 10 15 20 25 0 5 10 15 20 25
Frequency(Hz) Frequency(Hz)

Figure 7
Spectral ratio functions for twelve stations, and the best fit lines with slopes. (a) Adhoi (ADH), (b) Anjar
(ANJ), (c) Chobari (CHB), (d) Chopadwa (CHP), (e) Dudhai (DUD), (f) Jahawarnagar (JAH), (g)
Manfara (MNF) (h) New-Dudhai (NDUD), (i) Ramvav (RAM), (j) Sikara (SIK), (k) Tapar (TAP), and (l)
Vondh (VND). Here, logarithm base 10 is used instead of natural logarithm. Therefore, the slopes shown
are off the values for ‘m’ by a factor of 0.43.

seismograms over the past four years (February 2001 to February 2005), to enable
us to carry out a comprehensive study to estimate the sediment thickness of the
basin and Qs vs. Qp relationships using travel-time differences between converted
Sp and direct S phases.
Vol. 164, 2006 Qs vs. Qp Relations in the Kachchh Rift Basin 17

(g) 1.5 (h) 1.5

MANFARA NEW DUDHAI
1.0 1.0

log10(Sp/S)
0.5 0.5

log10(Sp/S)
0.0 0.0

-0.5 -0.5

-1.0 -1.0

-1.5 -1.5
0 5 10 15 20 25 0 5 10 15 20 25
Frequency(Hz) Frequency(Hz)

1.5 1.5
(i) (j) SIKARA
RAMVAV
1.0 1.0
log10(Sp/S)

0.5 0.5

0.0 log10(Sp/S) 0.0

-0.5 -0.5

-1.0 -1.0

-1.5 -1.5
0 5 10 15 20 25 0 5 10 15 20 25
Frequency(Hz) Frequency(Hz)

1.5 1.5
(k) (l)
TAPAR VONDH
1.0 1.0
log10(Sp/S)

0.5 0.5
log10(Sp/S)

0.0 0.0

-0.5 -0.5

-1.0 -1.0

-1.5 -1.5
0 5 10 15 20 25 0 5 10 15 20 25
Frequency(Hz) Frequency(Hz)

Figure 7
(Contd.)

A. Station Corrections Estimated From VELEST Program

The P- and S-wave station corrections do show a consistent and clear pattern of
positive and negative values associated with the study area (Figs. 8a, b). The +ve P-
station corrections show a maximum of +1.13 sec. at Tapar, whereas, the negative
P-station corrections attain a maximum of –0.78 sec. at Vondh. Whereas, the
18 P. Mandal Pure appl. geophys.,

positive S station corrections suggest a maximum of +1.44 sec. at Chithod, while,

the negative S station corrections reach a maximum of –0.71 sec. at Ramvav. In
general, larger values of +ve and –ve station corrections (both P and S) characterize
the central aftershock zone, which is surrounded by the zone of smaller values of
+ve and –ve station corrections (both P and S). The station corrections vary from
)0.78 to +1.13 sec. for the P waves and from -0.71 to +1.44 sec. for the S waves. A
positive (negative) station correction indicates that the observed travel time is larger
(smaller) than that calculated from a given velocity model, suggesting that the actual
velocity structure is lower (higher) than the given velocity model used in earthquake
location. Therefore, patterns of station corrections suggest that high velocity with
several patches of low velocity characterizes the central aftershock zone, which shows

(a) (b)
24.0 24.0

23.6 23.6 a
i

23.2 23.2

22.8
69.6 70.0 70.4 70.8 69.6 70.0 70.4 70.8
Correction for P wave(s) Correction for S wave(s)

+1.13 +.02 -0.78 -.02 +1.44 +.02 -0.70 -.02

(c)
24.0

23.6

23.2

69.6 70.0 70.4 70.8

Sediment Thickness
(km)

Figure 8
Bubble plots for station corrections, (a) P wave and (b) S wave. Symbol size scaled with the size of the
residual. (c) Bubble plot of the estimated sediment thickness. Symbol size scaled with the thickness of the
sediment.
Vol. 164, 2006 Qs vs. Qp Relations in the Kachchh Rift Basin 19

larger values of station corrections (both +ve and –ve), while negative station
corrections (i.e., relatively higher velocities) characterize the SW part of the study
area. The contours of station corrections are aligned in an almost E-W orientation,
which suggests an east-west lateral variation closely related to the trends of major
tectonic units in the region.

B. Sedimentary Layer Thicknesses

Although the methodology for estimating the thickness of the sediments as
discussed above is quite simple and straightforward, there are certain restrictions that
affect the reliability of the estimation. The contact between unconsolidated sediments
and the underlying Archean basement may not be a smooth surface as revealed by
the estimated thickness of sediments beneath the NGRI stations. The actual raypaths
for the direct and converted waves may differ slightly from vertical incidence.
However, small standard deviations (0.06–0.19) in travel-time differences for events
of different azimuths, focal depths, and epicentral distances at the NGRI stations
imply that raypaths of the direct S and the converted Sp waves propagating in the
sedimentary layer are similar, and that the basic assumption of vertically incident
raypaths using equation (1) is validated. Further uncertainties in the picking of
arrival times, the curvature of the base of sediments, and lateral velocity variations
may all contribute to the resolution of the results based on equation (1).
The estimated travel-time differences between the direct S wave and the converted
Sp phase for 20 accelerograph and 6 seismograph stations vary from (0.66 ± 0.08) to
(1.14 ± 0.09) (Table 1). These differences imply a maximum sediment thickness of
(1.534 ± 0.117) km beneath Bandri (near the location of 2001 Bhuj main shock) and
a minimum sediment thickness of (0.858±0.104) km beneath Ramvav and Burudia
(Fig. 8c). Figure 7c shows an area of large sediment thickness (>1 km) covering
Daneti, Newdudhai, Sikara, Mai, Meghpar, Bandri and Jahwarnagar. In general, the
large +ve and –ve station corrections for both P and S waves fall within this area
except a few places like Adhoi and Ramvav (Figs. 8a,b and c). A good agreement
between the estimated small sediment thickness and small station corrections (P as
well as S) has also been observed at SMA sites like Burudia, Vondh, Bhachau and
Manfara (Figs. 8a,b and c). At Kavada, a large sediment thickness of 1.3 km is
estimated, however, no agreement could be obtained due to non-availability of
station corrections. On the contrary, the large +ve P-wave station correction
obtained at LIQ could not be correlated with the sediment thickness due to the
non-availability of sufficient reliable data of converted phase for this station.
Nonetheless traces recorded at LIQ station do show a marked influence of top
Quaternary sediments in terms of dominant high frequency. The maximum depth of
basement of 1.534 km is found to be at Bandri which is very close to the epicentral
location of the 2001 Mw 7.7 Bhuj main shock. In contrast, the stations in the eastern
part have sediment thicknesses ranging from 1.0 to 0.858 km. The minimum
20 P. Mandal Pure appl. geophys.,

sediment thickness of 0.858 km is obtained at Burudia as well as Ramvav. The

geological trenching data implies the possible surface exposure of the causative fault
of 2001 Bhuj main shock at Burudia (MCCALPIN and THAKKAR, 2003).
The contours of estimated sediment thickness values clearly brought out two
downwarpings of the basement; one is with a bottom at Jahwarnagar and other is
with a botton at Bandri (Fig. 9). Note that the area between Jahwarnagar and Bandri
was intensely affected by lateral spreads in soft alluvial deposits during the 2001 Bhuj
earthquake (RAJENDRAN et al., 2002). While, an upwarping of the basement with a
top at Bhurudia has been noticed in the northeastern part of the study area, where an
8.3 m long, 15–35 cm high, east-west trending thrust fault scarp has been delineated
by the geological trenching (MCCALPIN and THAKKAR, 2003). Note that the
seismogenic fault plane (aftershock trend) would project to the surface near
Bhurudia village (Fig. 4b). A general trend of larger sediment thickness toward SW
Kachchh in comparison to NE Kachchh has also been seen in the subsurface
structure obtained for the region by integrated geophysical modeling along a profile
extending from Mundra to Bhachau (GUPTA et al., 2001). On an average, the E-W
trend of the sediment thickness contour agrees well with the E-W trending Kachchh
basin as reported by BISWAS (1987).

C. Qs vs. Qp
Based ons Table 2, within the error bounds given by the standard deviations, the
slopes and the correlation coefficients for Adhoi, Dudhai, Manfara, and Sikara are of
the same order. Stations having larger correlation coefficients (i.e., Chobari,
Chopdwa, Jawaharnagar, Vondh, and Tapar) provide larger slopes (0.040–0.074)
except at New Dudhai, whose spectral ratio is 0.033 with a very high correlation
coefficient of 0.93.

Figure 9
Contour map of estimated sediment thickness in km. The gray star marks the epicenter of the 2001 Mw 7.7
Bhuj earthquake. The contour interval is 0.05 km.
Vol. 164, 2006 Qs vs. Qp Relations in the Kachchh Rift Basin 21

For twelve accelerograph sites, the Qs vs. Qp relationships have been estimated
using equation 6 (Table 3). The stations (CHB, CHP, JAH, VND and TAP) whose
spectral slopes have very high correlation coefficients (0.091–0.093) have very similar
Qs vs. Qp relations, which suggest relatively less attenuative sediments beneath these
stations (Tables 3 and 4). Except at New Dudhai station, whose spectral slope is 0.33
with a very high correlation coefficient (0.93), the Qs vs. Qp relation suggests a
relatively more attenuative sediment beneath this station. At ADH, DUD, MNF,
and SIK, stations with reasonably high correlation coefficients (0.074–0.078), the
spectral slopes lead to relatively more attenuative sediments beneath these stations.
The spectral ratios for stations Anjar and Ramvav are small and are poorly
constrained, resulting in less reliable Qs vs. Qp relations. This could be due to noisy
data, fewer available waveforms, or scattering due to velocity heterogeneities and/or
interface irregularities.
Since these stations fit the linear model well, we feel that we are accurately
measuring an anelastic Q whose effect is described by equations (2) and (3). The
estimated Qs vs. Qp relations for 12 accelerograph sites vary from Qs = 0.184 Qp (at
Chobari) to Qs = 0.505 Qp (at Dudhai). Note that the S and Sp phases have similar
frequency content and relatively large Sp amplitudes compared to S. Scattering due
to velocity heterogeneities and/or interface irregularities would probably significantly
distort the linear relation between Qs and Qp. Perhaps the material and interfaces
encountered by the ANJ and RAM, S and Sp waves are more heterogeneous than
along paths to other stations. Further, having a more heterogeneous media is not
consistent with the plane layered and laterally homogeneous medium, which is
assumed to calculate the travel times for S and Sp phases. Therefore, Qs vs. Qp
obtained at these stations are probably not representative of the true picture.

Table 2
Spectral Ratio Slopes estimated at 12 Strong Motion Accelerograph Sites

Station Slope (sec.) Standard Error Correlation Data used

Coefficient

Adhoi 0.030 0.0018 0.78 15

Chobari 0.066 0.0022 0.91 09
Chopdwa 0.059 0.0019 0.91 14
Dudhai 0.025 0.0014 0.78 21
Manfara 0.029 0.0012 0.87 17
Ramvav 0.035 0.0023 0.74 13
Sikara 0.032 0.0013 0.86 06
Anjar 0.026 0.0019 0.69 08
Jawaharnagar 0.074 0.0024 0.92 25
New Dudhai 0.033 0.0010 0.93 15
Tapar 0.052 0.0015 0.93 09
Vondh 0.040 0.0011 0.93 16
22 P. Mandal Pure appl. geophys.,

Table 3
Q s Vs. Qp relationships obtained at 12 Strong Motion Accelerograph Sites

Station Qs vs. Qp Data used

Adhoi Qs=0.37Qp 15
Chobari Qs=0.18Qp 09
Chopdwa Qs=0.22Qp 14
Dudhai Qs=0.51Qp 21
Manfara Qs=0.40Qp 17
Ramvav Qs=0.29Qp 13
Sikara Qs=0.43Qp 06
Anjar Qs=0.44Qp 08
Jawaharnagar Qs=0.22Qp 25
New Dudhai Qs=0.41Qp 15
Tapar Qs=0.25Qp 09
Vondh Qs=0.29Qp 16

D. Comparisons of Qs vs. Qp with Other Studies

We now compare our results with laboratory measurements of Qs and Qp. For a
fully water-saturated sample, JOHNSTON and TOKSÖZ (1980) report values of 50 and
30 for Qp and Qs, respectively, at 300 bars (appropriate for the bottom of the
sedimentary basin). However, Qs are found to equal or slightly higher value than Qp,
for an air-dry sample. For partial water saturation, WINKLER and NUR (1982) and
other researchers report that Qs is significantly greater than Qp. VASSILIOU et al.
(1982) lists the following general observations of Qs vs. Qp relations in sedimentary
rocks: for air dry rocks, Qp = Qs; for fully saturated rocks Qp ‡ Qs; for partial
saturation Qp < Qs. If these generalizations can be applied to the Kachchh basin
material, then our observations imply that the basin fill beneath the ten best-fitting
stations (viz. Dudhai, New Dudhai, Adhoi, Manfara, Jahwarnagar, Tapar, Chobari,
Sikara, Vondh and Chopdwa) is either dry or fully saturated, but not partially
saturated. A similar interpretation of the relationships obtained for Anjar and
Ramvav stations imply partial saturation, though the poor fit renders this
interpretation questionable. Nonetheless, it is important to note here that we are
measuring an average Q through a multi-layered heterogeneous medium.
In 1969, TULLOS and REID measured Qp between 10 and 20 for Gulf coast
sediments, using data from 1000 ft deep downhole seismometer array. However, the
Qp for the Texas Miocene sand-shale sequence has been found to be 30 (HAUGE,
1981). Along the San Andreas Fault zone, BAKUN and BUFE (1975) measured a Qs of
75 to 100 using SH-wave spectral ratios. In a similar study in central California,
KURITA (1975) found Qs of about 20 northeast and 100 southwest of the fault. From
SH-wave attenuation along the Imperial Valley Fault, SINGH et al. (1982) obtained
Qs between 60 and 100 for the upper 4 km. Using artificially generated Rayleigh
waves, BARKER and STEVENS (1983) found Qs of 10 to 50 in the upper 20 m and 50 to
Vol. 164, 2006 Qs vs. Qp Relations in the Kachchh Rift Basin 23

130 down to 100 m near El Centro, California. It is clear from the above-mentioned
discussion that near-surface Q values vary widely from region to region. In 1958,
MCDONAL et al. reported Qp and Qs for Pierre shale as 32 and 10, respectively. From
a borehole using vertically propagating waves from a nearby deep event, HAUKSSON
et al. (1987) measured a Qp and Qs of 44 and 25, respectively, between 420 and
1500 m. However, they attributed a high Qs of 108 in the upper 420 m to frequency
dependent near-surface amplification or a real effect (high Qs).
Based on their study of the theoretical elastic Qs vs. Qp relations, VASSILIOU et al.
(1982) suggested that for the case of zero bulk loss Qp and Qs can be related by the
equation,

Qs ¼ 4=3ðVp =Vs Þ
2 Qp : ð7Þ

Based on the receiver function analysis of the Kachchh, Gujarat, the average Vp/
Vs is estimated to be 1.8 in the upper sedimentary layer (MANDAL, 2006). This leads
to a linear relation Qs = 0.41 Qp, which might be the lower bound for Qs vs. Qp
relationships for the Kachchh basin.
We can work out another Qs vs. Qp relationship, assuming there are no apparent
differential attenuation effects and the slope of log spectral ratio is zero (i.e., m = 0),
using equation (5). For normal incidence, this linear relation is,
Qs ¼ ðVp =Vs ÞQp : ð8Þ

We know from the RF study for Kachchh basin region that the Vp/Vs for the upper
sedimentary layer range from 1.73 to 2.99 (MANDAL, 2006). Using Vp/Vs = 2.99, we
obtained Qs = 2.99 Qp, which might be the upper bound for Qs vs. Qp relationships
for the Kachchh basin.

Conclusions

In this study, the thickness of sediments beneath the numerous NGRI stations
has been estimated using the travel-time difference between direct waves and
converted waves and the available subsurface velocity structure obtained from the
inversion of receiver functions from teleseismic P waves. The estimated travel-time
differences between the direct S wave and the converted Sp phase for 20
accelerograph and 6 seismograph stations suggest a variation from (0.66 ± 0.08)
to (1.14 ± 0.09) (Table 1). These differences suggest a maximum sediment thickness
of (1.534 ± 0.117) km beneath Bandri (near the location of 2001 MS) and a
minimum sediment thickness of (0.858 ± 0.104) km beneath Ramvav and Burudia.
A large thickness of sediments at the Jawaharnagar station could explain the damage
in this region during the 2001 Bhuj as well as the 1956 Anjar earthquakes. Based on
the estimated travel-time differences (tS – tSp) and P- and S-station corrections, it is
inferred that in general, the large +ve and –ve station corrections for both P and S
24 P. Mandal Pure appl. geophys.,

waves characterize an area of large sediment thickness (>1 km) covering Daneti,
Newdudhai, Sikara, Mai, Meghpar, Bandri and Jahwarnagar except a few places like
Adhoi and Ramvav. A good agreement between the estimated small sediment
thickness and small station corrections (P as well as S) has also been observed at
SMA sites such as Burudia, Vondh, Bhachau and Manfara.
The estimated sedimentary layer thickness and spectral ratios of the S wave and
Sp conversion have been used to estimate the Qs vs. Qp relations for sedimentary
layers below twelve strong motion stations of the local network of NGRI. The
estimated Qs vs. Qp relations for 12 accelerograph sites vary from Qs = 0.184 Qp
(at Chobari) to Qs = 0.505 Qp (at Dudhai). Similar Qs vs. Qp relationships
obtained for the five strong motion accelerograph stations, namely Chobari,
Chopdwa, Jawaharnagar, Vondh and Tapar, whose spectral ratio slopes have very
high correlation coefficients (0.91–0.93), imply a relatively less attenuative near-
surface structure. These Qs vs. Qp relationships are velocity-model dependent,
which agrees quite well with the relations obtained for other studies in the world
(CHEN et al., 1994). However, the Qs vs. Qp relationship for the Adhoi, Dudhai,
Manfara and Sikara stations, whose spectral ratio slopes also show high correlation
coefficients (0.78–0.87), suggests a relatively more attenuative near surface. The
stations having larger correlation coefficients (i.e., Chobari, Chopdwa, Jawaharna-
gar, Vondh, and Tapar) provide larger slopes (0.040–0.074) except at New Dudhai,
whose spectral ratio is 0.033 with a very high correlation coefficient of 0.93. The Qs
vs. Qp relations imply relatively more attenuative sediments beneath the New
Dudhai station. The small correlation coefficients of the spectral ratio slopes (0.69–
0.74) estimated for stations Anjar and Ramvav, could be due to noisy data, fewer
available waveforms, or scattering due to velocity heterogeneities and/or interface
irregularities.
The seismic response of sedimentary basins to earthquake ground motion is an
important problem for both seismologists and earthquake engineers because ground
motion over sedimentary basins is usually larger that on nearby hard rocks. Strong
ground motion and the concomitant damage to buildings during an earthquake are
critically determined by the geologic setting of a site. The effect of variation in
sediment thickness, shear-wave velocity of sediments and Qs vs. Qp relations of
sediments should be taken into account in the numerical simulation of ground
motion for estimating seismic hazard for any region.

Acknowledgements

The author is thankful to Dr. V. P. Dimri, Director, NGRI for his encourage-
ment and kind permission to publish this work. This study was supported by the
Department of Science and Technology, New Delhi.
Vol. 164, 2006 Qs vs. Qp Relations in the Kachchh Rift Basin 25

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(Received February 16, 2005, accepted August 11, 2006)

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