Which mechanism increases ground displacement during an earthquake in areas with soft alluvial sediments?

💡 Explanation

When seismic waves encounter soft alluvial sediments, an impedance contrast between the hard bedrock and the soft sediments causes seismic wave amplification because energy is trapped at the interface, leading to increased ground displacement. Therefore, seismic wave amplification results, rather than uplift resistance, constructive interference, or liquefaction damping which require different material properties.

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