Surface motion of a semi-cylindrical alluvial valley for incident plane SH waves

abstract The nature of surface motion in and around a semi-cylindrical alluvial valley is investigated for the case of incident plane SH waves. The closed-form analytical solution of this two-dimensional wave-propagation problem displays complicated wave-interference phenomena characterized by nearly-standing wave patterns, rapid changes in the ground-motion amplification along the free surface of the valley, and significant dependence of motion on the incidence angle of SH waves. Although simple, this model may qualitatively explain some vibrating characteristics of long and deep alluvial valleys.