Olga-Joan Ktenidou

Taxonomy of κ: A Review of Definitions and Estimation Approaches Targeted to Applications

to zero epicentral distance, thus correcting for the regional effect of anelastic Q. In this note,we discuss the use of κ0 in various engineering seismology applications today and why interest in this parameter has been revived. We briefly discuss its possible physical interpretations, and detail the known approaches to estimate κ0 from seismic records. We group these approaches into families according to basic features, such as the range of frequencies over which κ0 is computed and the trade-off with path effects. We then discuss the alternative option for estimating κ0 when site-specific records are not available, based on empirical correlations with V S30. We collect previously published correlations and demonstrate the scatter observed across different studies. Finally, we make suggestions as to how κ0 estimation can be made in a more consistent way with the applications that use it, and how existing correlations can be made more consistent to improve both the inference of κ0 in the absence of site-specific data and the physical understanding of κ0.