The Mexico Earthquake of September 19,1985—Natural Period of Sites in the Valley of Mexico from Microtremor Measurements and Strong Motion Data

Abstract

The period at which peak in the microtremor Fourier velocity spectra occurs in the transition and lake bed zones of the valley of Mexico is found to be the natural period of the site. These periods in the valley are compiled from the microtremor measurements carried out by Instituto de Ingeniería, UNAM and scientists from Japan (for a total of 181 sites). Using this data and the natural periods estimated from strong motion recordings (36 sites), an isoperiod contour map of the valley of Mexico is presented. This map may be useful in future design of important structures.