MASW
MASW, or Multi-channel Analysis of Surface Waves, is a geophysical method used to characterize the near-surface shear-wave velocity structure. It uses recordings from multiple sensors along the ground surface to capture Rayleigh waves generated by an active source or by ambient vibrations. From the recorded data, the dispersion of surface waves with frequency is extracted, because Rayleigh-wave phase velocity depends on depth. The dispersion curve (or dispersion image) is then inverted to produce Vs as a function of depth, forming a proxy for subsurface stiffness and lithology.
Acquisition involves deploying an array of geophones or accelerometers along a line, with spacing chosen to
Processing and inversion begin with a Fourier transform-based dispersion analysis to yield phase or group velocity
Applications include geotechnical site characterization, foundation design, seismic hazard assessment, and environmental or groundwater studies. Limitations