Integrated Geophysical Profiles and H/V Microtremors Measurements for Subsoil Characterization

The application of traditional geophysical techniques such as seismic or electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) in broad areas requires large period of time. In this work a methodology is proposed in order to optimize the data acquisition time in the determination of the weathered materials thickness overlaying the unaltered rock in a large area. This methodology is based on combining traditional geophysical techniques and H/V microtremor measurements. The test site is in an area located in the NE part of Iberian Peninsula, close to the Mediterranean coast. Geologically it is mainly made of granitoides (Catalan Coastal Pluton) highly altered on its surface. In this context we found the suitable conditions for the application of this methodology: strong contrast of geophysical (mechanical and electrical) properties. The proposed methodology allows us to characterize the sediment properties and the bedrock depth.