Monte Carlo technique in modeling ground motion coherence in sedimentary filled valleys

Using a Monte Carlo method based on a random walk in ad hoc N-dimensional phase space, we construct N random time series having prescribed coherence spatial decay. We apply the method in seismology by designing a numerical experiment to investigate how the coherence of the bedrock motion relates to the coherence of the surface ground motion in a sedimentary valley. The main features of the coherence behaviour in the valley are found to tie in with data analysis and field observations. & 2009 Published by Elsevier Ltd.