Assessing shear wave velocity profiles using multiple passive techniques of Shillong region of northeast India

Shillong region of northeast India falls under seismic zone V. Being a commercial hub, urbanization in this study region is at its peak. In order to qualitatively assess the subsurface velocity profiling of this area, we have blended two robust techniques, namely spatial autocorrelation (SPAC) and frequency wavenumber (FK) method. Corresponding to array noise data collected at five sites, situated in the close proximity of boreholes, we have evaluated V_S and V_P as well. The shear wave velocity estimates yielded by these techniques are found to be consistent with each other. The computed V_s values up to depth of 30 m are observed to be in the range of 275–375 m/s, in most of the sites which implies prevalence of low-velocity zone at some pocket areas. The estimates so found are systematically analyzed and implications are outlined. The results were corroborated by substantial evidence of site geology as well as geotechnical information.