PGV

PGV is most commonly an acronym for Peak Ground Velocity, a measure used in seismology and earthquake engineering to quantify the maximum speed of ground motion during an earthquake. It is typically reported for horizontal ground motion and is expressed in units such as centimeters per second (cm/s) or meters per second (m/s). PGV is derived from acceleration records (acceleration time histories) collected by seismographs or strong-motion sensors, through integration of the data.

In practice, PGV provides a scalar representation of shaking intensity that complements other metrics like peak ground acceleration (PGA) and spectral accelerations. It is useful for hazard assessment, performance-based design, and life-safety evaluations, particularly in regions with varying soil conditions where shaking can be prolonged. Engineers and researchers use PGV, along with site amplification and duration estimates, to evaluate potential structural demands and to compare different earthquake scenarios.

PGV is influenced by several factors, including earthquake magnitude, source-to-site distance, earthquake duration, and local site effects. Soft soils and basin effects can increase PGV by amplifying and prolonging shaking, even when PGA is moderate. Measurement conventions may vary by region, with some reports emphasizing horizontal PGV and others providing total or multiple-component values.

Outside the seismology context, PGV can be used as an acronym in other fields, but there is no single universally accepted alternate meaning. When encountered in non-seismological contexts, the intended definition is typically clarified by domain-specific documentation or accompanying text.