Seattle’s Complex Sedimentary Basin Complicates Seismic Predictions

UPI reports that the Seismological Society of America said yesterday that the 2 mile complex sedimentary basin underlying Seattle can amplify earthquake shaking in a way not well modeled. Existing models assume more uniform rock substrates – ours will take more study to properly model.

Recent measurements by UW seismologists have highlighted the complicated structures underground, including a low velocity zone just west and below downtown.