Microtremor survey method and its progress
微动勘查方法及其研究进展

In this paper, the historical development of the microtremor method is briefly reviewed.It is focused on, the principle of the microtremor survey, its observation systems, processing methods and recent advances. Any conventional geophysical method has its own limitations. The increasing environmental and operational costs further restrict the use of these conventional methods, especially in urban areas. The microtremor survey method, on the other hand, provides us with useful information about the shear-wave velocity profile, which is difficult to obtain using conventional methods. Moreover, it is cost-efficient and environmentally friendly. Because of it sensitivity to the anomalous low S-wave velocity in downcast columns, mined-out areas and other unusual geological bodies, the microtremor survey method is technically superior to any other geophysical method in detecting or mapping these low or high velocity anomalies. It is also useful in mapping geological structures, such as coal seams, and underneath villages.