Microzonation in low to moderate seismicity regions is not extensively used due to a lack of attention given. Accordingly, the structures are not designed for earthquake loading. However, these countries are susceptible to earthquake threat caused by local and far field earthquakes. The far field effect of earthquakes from neighbouring countries can be felt in Penang Island, Malaysia, which is contrary to the perception that Malaysia is seismic free. This hazard serves as a reminder of the importance of seismic study, particularly in the light of the local geological conditions. This work presents the ground structure of Penang Island for seismic microzonation map development using a simpler and affordable method for low to moderate seismicity regions. Moreover, this study applies microtremor single point and array observation methods to estimate the ground structure of Penang Island. The estimated ground structures are validated using the available borelog data and the results show good agreement. The developed microzonation maps show that Penang Island has a ground structure with a predominant frequency ranging from 1.45 Hz to 7.4 Hz and Vs,30 in the range of 168 m/s to 468 m/s. The northeast (Georgetown) and western (Balik Pulau) regions of Penang Island show a low frequency and Vs,30 value, indicating that these areas have a soft ground structure. The study demonstrates a simple and affordable method that can be adopted by low to moderate seismicity countries to develop seismic microzonation maps.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2025 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.