Work

Seismic Structure of Singapore: Implications for Tectonics, Geothermal Energy Utilization, and Seismic Hazard Estimation

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: High-precision urban subsurface geophysical imaging is critical for city development, including urban construction, seismic hazard assessment, and renewable energy development. We investigate the top 5 km VS, sediment thickness, Moho depth, and crustal average VP/VS of Singapore using teleseismic P-wave polarizations and receiver functions from a nodal array and some permanent stations. We present the first sediment model of Singapore, which shows the thickest compacted sediments (∼1.2 km) in the west, negligible sediments in central area and some localized sediments in the east (∼0.8 km) and northwest (∼1.1 km). Based on the new crustal model and previous geological surveys, we discuss a possible tectonic evolutionary history of Singapore, which is related to the subduction of the Paleo-Tethys slab. The observed low-VS anomaly beneath the Sembawang hot spring reveals its possible deep heat source, indicating a potential source of geothermal energy in Singapore. In addition, ground-motion amplification variations caused by local site conditions across Singapore are estimated, showing that areas of soft sediment, especially the reclaimed land in the east, have the highest seismic risk.

Source: Seismological Research Letters

DOI: 10.1785/0220240238

Authors: Jiayuan Yao, Wanxin Luo, Karen Lythgoe, Yu Wang, Shengji Wei, Ping Tong