MASW: Multi-channel Analysis of Surface Waves

MASW Method Overview

Multi-channel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) is a non-destructive geophysical tool, one of the seismic methods using surface waves.

It measures travel times and magnitudes of surface wave (typically Rayleigh wave) energy. 1-D or 2-D shear wave velocity profiles of the subsurface are then generated. Based on these velocity profiles 1-D, 2-D, or even 3-D geologic models, constrained by ground truth, are generated.

MASW Applications

  • NEHRP* site classification

  • Mapping variable depth to bedrock

  • Mapping depth to some sub-bedrock interfaces

  • Mapping soil layers

  • Estimating rippability

  • Estimating shear-wave velocities with far greater precision than seismic reflection or refraction methods


*National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program