Magnitude calibration of the Central Minnesota Seismic Array

1981 ◽  
Vol 71 (4) ◽  
pp. 1089-1103
Author(s):  
S. A. Greenhalgh ◽  
C. C. Mosher ◽  
H. M. Mooney
Keyword(s):  
Epicentral Distance ◽  
Seismic Array ◽  
P Wave ◽  
Total Charge ◽  
P Waves ◽  
Attenuation Rate ◽  
Short Period ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Mine Blasts ◽  
Best Fit

abstract Magnitude calibration for the Central Minnesota Seismic Array presents special problems because the infrequuent local and near-regional earthquake are usually too small to be recorded at teleseismic distances. Two procedures have been applied. The first uses teleseisms recorded by the array for which independent magnitudes are available. The second uses large near-regional mine blasts to determine the attenuation rate for short-period P waves in the upper crust, together with Evernden's (1970) magnitude-charge size relationship. The teleseismic correlations establish that the individual stations of the array yield consistent magnitudes, that the P wave amplitudes behave predictably with respect to epicentral distance and azimuth, but that a magnitude-dependent bias must be removed. Measured ground amplitudes for mine blasts are found to be proportional to total charge size to the power 1.0. Using this value, we find amplitude attenuation proportional to D−B for distance D in kilometers, with best fit given by B = 2.57 for P waves. The final local magnitude scale for D up to 250 km takes the form m b = 2.57 log ⁡ D + log ⁡ A − 3.97.

Epicentral uncertainties and detection probabilities from the Yellowknife seismic array data

1968 ◽  
Vol 58 (5) ◽  
pp. 1359-1377
Author(s):  
E. B. Manchee ◽  
D. H. Weichert
Keyword(s):  
Automatic Detection ◽  
Seismic Array ◽  
P Wave ◽  
Wave Number ◽  
Detection Level ◽  
Average Deviation ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Detection Probabilities ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The Individual

Abstract Analog recording tapes from the Yellowknife seismic array have been processed diqitally in Canada for over a year, with concentration on the automatic detection and epicenter location of events between 26° and 90° distance, using short period P-wave arrivals. For the purpose of detection, signals from the individual seismometers in the two arms of the cross array are analog band-pass filtered, digitized at 20 samples/s, multiplexed into a digital computer, velocity and azimuth filtered and correlated, using an exponentially weighted integration over time with an equivalent width of 1.6 s. The correlograms for up to 168 phased beams are scanned for values exceeding a preset trigger level and an event is recorded when the level is passed consistently a number of times. In late 1966, during a seismically quiet period and with the array fully operational, the 50 per cent automatic detection level achieved by this method for events in the Third Zone to Yellowknife was m4.0 ± 0.1, slightly better than the level of an analog trigger operated at the station which uses the correlogram method for a single unphased beam only. The 50 per cent detection level of the Yellowknife standard station is about m4.4 and thus the array-computer automatic detection method gives about Δm0.4 improvement, which is expected from the processing method used if the noise is largely uncorrelated. No significant variations in the detection level with azimuth have yet been observed. Approximate epicenter locations are determined from the best apparent arrival vector. The best vector is assumed to be given by the maxima of parabolas at constant azimuth and wave number interpolated between the highest values of the correlograms. USCGS P.D.E. information is used in conjunction with the J-B tables to calculate an expected apparent arrival vector. The difference between the expected and best interpolated arrival vectors has an average deviation of about 6 ms/km. Their distribution does not suggest a simple crustal or upper mantle cause under the array station.

Short-period Lg magnitudes: Instrument, attenuation, and source effects

1983 ◽  
Vol 73 (6A) ◽  
pp. 1835-1850
Author(s):  
Robert B. Herrmann ◽  
Andrzej Kijko
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Epicentral Distance ◽  
P Wave ◽  
Magnitude Scale ◽  
Source Effects ◽  
Anelastic Attenuation ◽  
Basic Conclusion ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Central United States ◽  
Definition Of

Abstract The applicaton of the Nutli (1973) definition of the mbLg magnitude to instruments and wave periods other than the short-period WWSSN seismograph is examined. The basic conclusion is that the Nuttli (1973) definition is applicable to a wider range of seismic instruments if the log10(A/T) term is replaced by log10A. For consistency and precision, the notation mbLg should be applied only to magnitudes based upon 1.0 Hz observations. The mbLg magnitude definition was constrained to be consistent with teleseismic P-wave mb estimates from four Central United States earthquakes. In general, for measurements made at a frequency f, the notation mLg(f) should be used, where m L g ( f ) = 2.94 + 0.833 log ⁡ 10 ( r / 10 ) + 0.4342 γ r + log ⁡ 10 A , and r is the epicentral distance in kilometers, γ is the coefficient of anelastic attenuation, and A is the reduced ground amplitude in microns. Given its stability when estimated from different instruments, the mLg(f) magnitude is an optimum choice for an easily applied, standard magnitude scale for use in regional seismic studies.

WIDE‐BAND EXTRACTION OF MANTLE P WAVES FROM AMBIENT NOISE

Geophysics ◽  
1964 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 672-692 ◽  
Author(s):  
Milo Backus ◽  
John Burg ◽  
Dick Baldwin ◽  
Ed Bryan
Keyword(s):  
Ambient Noise ◽  
Wide Band ◽  
P Wave ◽  
Cumberland Plateau ◽  
P Waves ◽  
Single Output ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Multichannel Filtering ◽  
On Line ◽  
Element Array

The spatial correlation characteristics of ambient short‐period (0.5 to 5 cps) noise at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, and on the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee were investigated on “permanent” arrays with 3–4 kilometer diameter. Dominant ambient noise at the two locations is spatially organized, and to first order may be treated as a combination of seismic propagating wave trains. At the Tennessee location noise energy above one cps is dominantly propagating with velocities from 3.5 to 4.5 km/sec, and must be carried in deeply trapped, high‐order modes. Generalized multichannel filtering (Burg) can be used to preserve a large class of mantle P‐wave signals, wide‐band, in a single output trace, while at the same time specifically rejecting ambient noise on the basis of its organization. Results of generalized multichannel filtering applied on‐line at the nineteen‐element array in Tennessee and applied off‐line are discussed.

scholarly journals The effects of tectonic release on short-period P waves from NTS explosions

1984 ◽  
Vol 74 (3) ◽  
pp. 819-842
Author(s):  
Thorne Lay ◽  
Terry C. Wallace ◽  
Don V. Helmberger
Keyword(s):  
Frequency Component ◽  
Temporal Variations ◽  
P Wave ◽  
High Frequency Component ◽  
Stress Regime ◽  
P Waves ◽  
Underground Nuclear Explosions ◽  
Long Period ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Amplitude Pattern

Abstract The first cycle (ab amplitude) of teleseismic short-period P waves from underground nuclear explosions at Pahute Mesa (NTS) show a systematic azimuthal amplitude pattern that can possibly be explained by tectonic release. The amplitudes vary by a factor of three, with diminished amplitudes being recorded at azimuths around N25°E. This azimuthal pattern has a strong sin(2φ) component and is observed, to varying degrees, for 25 Pahute Mesa events, but not for events at other sites within the NTS. Events that are known to have large tectonic release have more pronounced sin(2φ) amplitude variations. A synthesis of long-period body and surface wave investigations of tectonic release for Pahute Mesa events shows that, in general, the nonisotropic radiation is equivalent to nearly vertical, right-lateral strike-slip faulting trending from N20°W to due north. Long-period P waves at upper mantle distances demonstrate that there is a significant high-frequency component to the tectonic release. Using the long-period constraints on orientation, moment, and frequency content of the tectonic release, the expected short-period P wave effects are predicted. For models in which the downgoing P wave from the explosion triggers tectonic release within a few kilometers below the shot point, a factor of 2.5 amplitude variation with azimuth is predicted for the short-period ab amplitudes, with the lowest amplitudes expected near N25°E. Rather subtle azimuthal variations in the waveforms are expected, particulary for downward propagating ruptures, which is consistent with the absence of strong variations in the data. The occurrence of the azimuthal pattern, albeit with varying strength, for all of the Pahute Mesa events suggests a tectonic release model in which the shatterzone surrounding the explosion cavity is extended preferentially downward by driving a distributed network of faults and joints underlying the Mesa several kilometers beneath the surface. In this model, all events could have a component of tectonic release which would reflect the regional stress regime, although there may be slight spatial and temporal variations in the tectonic release contribution. Some events may trigger slip on larger throughgoing faults as well. While it is shown that tectonic release can affect teleseismic short-period signals significantly, and may contribute to the Pahute Mesa amplitude pattern, other possible explanations are considered.

scholarly journals Seismic Structure Beneath the Wellington Region from Receiver Functions

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Lucy Caroline Hall
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Seismic Data ◽  
Seismic Velocity ◽  
Receiver Functions ◽  
P Wave ◽  
The West ◽  
Seismic Stations ◽  
Short Period ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Velocity Layer

<p>Seismic velocity structures, interpreted as being associated with the Hikurangi subduction system beneath the lower North Island of New Zealand, are imaged using stacked P wave receiver functions computed using teleseismic earthquakes. Receiver functions are a seismological technique that exploits the phenomenon of wave conversion. The upcoming P wave interacts with seismic velocity impedance contrasts below the receiving station to produce polarized P to SV converted phases. The time delay between the first arriving P wave and the SV converted phase is interpreted to infer the depth of interfaces and the velocity structure directly below the receiver, allowing estimates to be made of the physical properties of the interface. Passive seismic data were recorded at eighteen seismic stations deployed across a ~90km transect stretching across the breadth of lower North Island of New Zealand, from Kapiti Island, 5km off the west coast, to the eastern coast. The transect is oriented normal to the strike of the subducting Pacific Plate, as it dives beneath the overriding Australian Plate. Data were recorded at 10 broadband and 2 short period sensors, deployed as part of the Seismic Array Hikurangi Project (SAHKE 1 deployment), 3 Geonet (New Zealand Geonet Project) permanent short period stations, and 3 temporary stations from part of the 1991-1992 POMS project. Seismic data were recorded between November 2009 and March 2010 on the short period sensors and up to 18 months on the broadband sensor. Data recorded between November 2009 and November 2011 were utilised from the Geonet stations. P wave receiver functions are computed using the multi-taper correlation method using 389 > 6.0 Mw teleseismic earthquakes recorded at the individual seismic stations. A total of 1082 individual receiver functions from all the stations are stacked for both the individual stations and as a ‘super-stack’ across the complete transect, using the common conversion point (CCP) method. The CCP stack shows a distinct, thick low velocity layer (LVL), dipping to the west, from ~18km depth in the east to ~30km depth in the west. This is above a higher velocity layer, also dipping west, at depths of between ~22km and ~ 37km. The LVL is interpreted as being subducted sediments overlying the higher velocity plate interface. Structures towards the west indicate the presence of possibly imbricated features associated with the overriding plate. Deeper structures, down to a depth of 140km are evident, but have less clarity than the shallower features. Some of the deeper layers appear to be dipping towards the west, some to the east. The results of the CCP stack agree well with results from active source methods.</p>

Teleseismic p-wave transmission through slabs

1973 ◽  
Vol 63 (4) ◽  
pp. 1349-1373
Author(s):  
Norman H. Sleep
Keyword(s):  
P Wave ◽  
P Waves ◽  
Nuclear Explosions ◽  
Velocity Models ◽  
Shallow Earthquakes ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Systematic Effects ◽  
First Motion ◽  
Low Amplitude ◽  
Good Agreement

abstract Theoretical ray paths through velocity models constructed from numerically calculated thermal models of slabs were computed. The results were in good agreement with observed travel times. First motion amplitudes of P waves at teleseismic distances were measured from long- and short-period WWSSN records of intermediate focus earthquakes in the Tonga, Kermadec, and Kurile regions and of nuclear explosions and shallow earthquakes in the Aleutian region. These amplitudes were corrected for source mechanism. The Aleutian data were sufficient to show that intermediate focus earthquakes in that region occur in the colder regions of the slab. At short periods, for regions other than the Aleutians, shadowing effects which could be associated with the slab were not very marked, less than a factor of 2 reduction for epicentral distances between 30° and 50°. No systematic effects due to plates were found in the long-period data. Some stations in the predicted shadow zone of a Tonga earthquake recorded low amplitude precursors which probably were greatly defocused waves which ran the full length of the slab. Simple diffraction is incapable of explaining the short-period results.

Effects of delay shooting on the nature of P-wave seismograms

1980 ◽  
Vol 70 (6) ◽  
pp. 2037-2050
Author(s):  
S. A. Greenhalgh
Keyword(s):  
Theoretical Calculations ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Synthetic Seismograms ◽  
P Wave ◽  
Total Charge ◽  
Total Size ◽  
Seismic Waveforms ◽  
Maximum Charge ◽  
Absorption Models ◽  
The Individual

abstract P-wave spectra have been computed from several mine blast records. Amplitudes of the low frequency peaks were found to correlate with the total size of the explosion. This agrees with theoretical source spectra calculations for multiple-delayed shots. The theoretical calculations also show that at higher frequencies (excepting multiples of the delay frequency), the spectral amplitudes are determined by the maximum charge per delay and not by the total charge size. Synthetic seismograms have been computed for various source and absorption models. To obtain reasonable agreement with observed waveforms requires at least 10 shots delayed at intervals of 0.2 sec or more. These delays are much larger than those normally used between individual holes in a blast (i.e., 17 msec) but are typical of delays between rows of shots. Thus, it appears that the seismic waveforms are more sensitive to the number of rows and the row delay than they are to the total number of shots and the individual delays in a blast.

A discrimination analysis of short-period regional seismic data recorded at Tonto Forest Observatory

1982 ◽  
Vol 72 (4) ◽  
pp. 1351-1366
Author(s):  
J. R. Murphy ◽  
T. J. Bennett
Keyword(s):  
Epicentral Distance ◽  
Test Site ◽  
P Wave ◽  
Set Cover ◽  
Spectral Amplitude ◽  
Nevada Test Site ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Single Station ◽  
Regional Phases

abstract A new seismic discriminant based on spectral differences of regional phases from earthquakes and explosions recorded at a single station has been tested and found to work remarkably well. The test data consisted of a well-constrained set of 30 Nevada Test Site (NTS) explosions and 21 earthquakes located within about 100 km of NTS which were recorded on short-period seismographs at the Tonto Forest Observatory in central Arizona at an epicentral distance averaging 530 km. The events in the data set cover a magnitude range from 3.3 to 4.8 (mb) for which Pn, Pg, and Lg phases have been analyzed. We found that, although Lg phases from earthquakes are typically more prominent than for explosions with comparable P-wave amplitude levels, simple time-domain Lg/P amplitude ratios do not result in a separation of the earthquake and explosion samples consistent enough to provide reliable discrimination. However, spectral analyses of the data over the frequency band from 0.5 to 5.0 Hz revealed significant differences in the spectra of certain regional phases which proved to be a quite reliable discriminant. In particular, both the Pg and Lg spectra from earthquakes have been found to be richer in high-frequency content than corresponding explosion spectra. A discriminant measure, defined as the ratio of average Lg spectral amplitude level in the 0.5- to 1.0-Hz passband to that in the 2.0- to 4.0-Hz passband, provides good separation of earthquake and explosion populations.

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