Site Characterization of Balikesir-Northwest of Turkey: Case Study of Bandirma and Erdek Districts

This study aims to conduct comprehensive site characterization in the Turkish regions of Balıkesir, particularly in the Bandırma and Erdek areas. Microtremor measurements were conducted at predetermined locations in the study area. The research analyzed earthquake dominant periods and amplification values obtained from the seismometers and microtremor measurements. Seismic microzonation maps were created using ArcGIS-integrated parameters such as dominant period, amplification, Vs 30 velocities, and soil classification types following NEHRP (2020) guidelines. These maps assessed the coherence among soil amplification, dominant period values, and depth estimations. Soil amplification and dominant period values were determined to range from 0.4 to 8.22 and 0.065 to 2.1 Hz, respectively, in the Bandırma district study areas. In the Erdek district study areas, soil amplification and dominant period values ranged from 0.97 to 6.14 and 0.051 to 3.1 Hz, respectively.