Showing papers in "Annals of Geophysics in 1994"

Estimation of strong ground motion in broad-frequency band based on a seismic source scaling model and an empirical Green's function technique

Abstract: We introduce a generalized method for simulating strong ground motion from large earthquakes by summing subevent records to follow the ?2 law. The original idea of the method is based on a constant stress parameter between the target event and the subevent. It is applicable to a case where both events have a different stress drop after some manipulation. However, the simulation for a very large earthquake from a small event with this method has inevitably some deficiencies of spectral amplitudes in the intermediate frequency range deviating f`rom the ?2 model, although the high and low frequency motions match the scaling. We improve the simulation algorithm so as not to make spectral sags, introducing self-similar distribution of subfaults with different sizes in the fault plane, so-called fractal composite faulting model. We show successful simulations for intermediate-sized earthquakes (MJMA = 5.0, 6.0 and 6.1), the large aftershocks of the 1983 Akita-Oki earthquake. using the records of smaller aftershocks (MJMA = 3.9 and 5.0) as an empirical Green's function. Further, we attempted to estimate strong ground motion for the 1946 Nankai earthquake with Mw 8.2, using the records of a MJMA 5.1 earthquake occurring near the source region of the mainshock. We found that strong ground motions simulated for the fractal composite faulting model with two asperities radiating significantly high frequency motions matched well the observed data such as the near-field displacement record, the source spectrum estimated from the teleseismic record, and the seismic intensity distribution during the 1946 Nankai earthquake.

Materials for the investigation of The Seismicity Of Algeria And Adjacent Regions during the twentieth century

Abstract: Dr. Benouar presents a full and integrated study of the recent seismicity of Algeria and adjacent regions during the twentieth century. He has amassed an impressive amount of macroseismic information pertaining to individual earthquakes, which he combines with instrumental information to reassess the origin parameters of each event. In any compilation of earthquakes it is the additional information beyond the bare accumulation of figures and facts that adds interest and social understanding to the scientific appreciation of the earthquakes themselves. For this it is necessary to know the local conditions, and Dr. Benouar brings out for us very vivid1y the differences between reporting procedures at different times this century, and the ensuing difficulties. It would be most difficult for an outsider to gather the information he presents, and he makes good use of his knowledge of his native land, as well as his professional training as an engineer. We thus learn of the reluctance of the colonial powers to report on damage or casualties outside those inflicted on the expatriate community, and the general difficulties of finding information about earthquakes that occurred during the wars of independence, at a time when effects of even major earthquakes were sometimes minor compared to those of the war itself. He also does not spare us details of political difficulties that arose during periods of reconstruction following recent earthquakes. This work is not restricted, however, to description. He examines the underlying tectonics of the area and deduces estimates of hazard and risk in various parts of the country. He then proceeds to examine the engineering consequences and discuss future needs for building codes and civil protection. Dr. Benouar has produced a work which could well form a model for those wishing to undertake comprelzensive studies of seismicity of other areas, and the measures needed to reduce the effects of catastrophic earthquakes.

Teleseismic analysis of the 1990 and 1991 earthquakes near Potenza

Abstract: Analysis of the available teleseismic data for two moderate earthquakes near the town of Potenza in the Southern Apennines shows that both involve strike-slip faulting on a plane oriented approximately east-west. Only the larger, 5 May 1990, earthquake is sufficiently large for analysis by conventional teleseismic waveform inversion methods, and is seen to consist of a foreshock followed 11 seconds later by the main release of moment. The focal mechanism and seismic moment of the 26 May 1991 earthquake is determined by quantitative comparison of its 15-60 s period surface waves with those generated by the 5 May 1990 event. The focal mechanisms for the two events are found to be very similar. The 1991 earthquake has a scalar moment that is approximately 18% that of the 1990 mainshock. Comparison of higher frequency P waves for the two events, recorded at regional distance, shows that the ratio of trace amplitudes is smaller than the ratio of scalar moments, suggesting that the stress drop for the 1991 event is distinctly smaller than for the 1990 mainshock.

The GEOFON Program

Abstract: Following the long tradition in broadband seismology in Germany, the GedForschungsZentrum (GFZ) at Potsdam, an institution for interdisciplinary research in geosciences, founded in 1992 by the Federal Ministry of Research and Technology, has started a program for the establishment of a network of globally distributed broadband seismic stations The program, called GEOFON (GEOFOrschungsNetz), is dedicated to Emst von Rebeur-Paschwitz who recorded the first teleseismic seismogram, 1889 in Potsdam and proposed a global seismograph network and an earthquake reporting system Our program will, after its completion, consist of three parts: a permanent network of about 30 stations, a portable broadband network and a comprehensive data archive It is planned for two three-year periods (1993-1995 and 1996-1998) The funding for the first period has already been provided almost completely An Advisory Board with members from German Universities and the GFZ guides the operation of GEOFON The main task of the program is to serve the seismological community with high quality broadband data for all kinds, of scientific tasks The research projects at the GFZ itself, to be carried out with GEOFON and other broadband data, are presently dealing mainly with lithospheric and upper and lower mantle 3D structure

Synthetic seismicity for the San Andreas fault

Abstract: Because historical catalogs generally span only a few repetition intervals of major earthquakes, they do not provide much constraint on how regularly earthquakes recur. In order to obtain better recurrence statistics and long-term probability estimates for events M ? 6 on the San Andreas fault, we apply a seismicity model to this fault. The model is based on the concept of fault segmentation and the physics of static dislocations which allow for stress transfer between segments. Constraints are provided by geological and seismological observations of segment lengths, characteristic magnitudes and long-term slip rates. Segment parameters slightly modified from the Working Group on California Earthquake Probabilities allow us to reproduce observed seismicity over four orders of magnitude. The model yields quite irregular earthquake recurrence patterns. Only the largest events (M ? 7.5) are quasi-periodic; small events cluster. Both the average recurrence time and the aperiodicity are also a function of position along the fault. The model results are consistent with paleoseismic data for the San Andreas fault as well as a global set of historical and paleoseismic recurrence data. Thus irregular earthquake recurrence resulting from segment interaction is consistent with a large range of observations.

Empirical ground motion prediction

Abstract: New methods of site-specific ground motion prediction in the time and frequency domains are presented. A large earthquake is simulated as a composite (linear combination) of observed small earthquakes (subevents) assuming Aki-Brune functional models of the source time functions (spectra). Source models incorporate basic scaling relations between source and spectral parameters. Ground motion predictions are consistent with the entire observed seismic spectrum from the lowest to the highest frequencies. These methods are designed to use all the available empirical Green’s functions (or any subset of observations) at a site. Thus a prediction is not biased by a single record, and different possible source-receiver paths are taken into account. Directivity is accounted for by adjusting the apparent source duration at each site. Our time-series prediction algorithm is based on determination of a non-uniform distribution of rupture times of subevents. By introducing a specific rupture velocity we avoid the major problem of deficiency of predictions around the main event's corner frequency. A novel notion of partial coherence allows us to sum subevents' amplitude spectra directly without using any information on their rupture times and phase histories. Predictions by this spectral method are not Jependent on details of rupture nucleation and propagation, location of asperities and other predominantly phase-affecting factors, responsible for uncertainties in time-domain simulations.

Assessment of potential strong ground motions in the city of Rome

Abstract: A methodology is used which combines stochastic generation of random series with a finite-difference technique to estimate the expected horizontal ground motion for the city of Rome as induced by a large earthquake in the Central Apennines. In this approach, source properties and long-path propagation are modelled through observed spectra of ground motion in the region, while the effects of the near-surface geology in the city are simulated by means of a finite-difference technique applied to 2-D models including elastic and anelastic properties of geologic materials and topographic variations. The parameters commonly used for earthquake engineering purposes are estimated from the simulated time histories of horizontal ground motion. We focus our attention on peak ground acceleration and velocity, and on the integral of the squared acceleration and velocity (that are proportional to the Arias intensity and seismic energy flux, respectively). Response spectra are analyzed as well. Parameter variations along 2-D profiles visualize the effects of the small-scale geological heterogeneities and topography irregularities on ground motion in the case of a strong earthquake. Interestingly, the largest amplification of peak ground acceleration and Arias intensity does not necessarily occur at the same sites where peak ground velocity and flux of seismic energy reach their highest values, depending on the frequency band of amplification. A magnitude 7 earthquake at a distance of 100 km results in peak ground accelerations ranging from 30 to 70 gals while peak ground velocities are estimated to vary from 5 to 7 cm/s; moreover, simulated time histories of horizontal ground motion yield amplitudes of 5% damped pseudovelocity response spectra as large as 15-20 cm/s for frequencies from 1to 3 Hz. In this frequency band, the mean value is 7 cm/s for firm sites and ranges from 10 to 13 cm/s for soil sites. All these results are in good agreement with predictions based on regressions of Italian and Western North American data.

A comparison of two methods for earthquake source inversion using strong motion seismograms

Abstract: In this paper we compare two time-domain inversion methods that have been widely applied to the problem of modeling earthquake rupture using strong-motion seismograms. In the multi-window method, each point on the fault is allowed to rupture multiple times. This allows flexibility in the rupture time and hence the rupture velocity. Variations in the slip-velocity function are accommodated by variations in the slip amplitude in each time-window. The single-window method assumes that each point on the fault ruptures only once, when the rupture front passes. Variations in slip amplitude are allowed and variations in rupture velocity are accommodated by allowing the rupture time to vary. Because the multi-window method allows greater flexibility, it has the potential to describe a wider range of faulting behavior; however, with this increased flexibility comes an increase in the degrees of freedom and the solutions are comparatively less stable. We demonstrate this effect using synthetic data for a test model of the Mw 7.3 1992 Landers, California earthquake, and then apply both inversion methods to the actual recordings. The two approaches yield similar fits to the strong-motion data with different seismic moments indicating that the moment is not well constrained by strong-motion data alone. The slip amplitude distribution is similar using either approach, but important differences exist in the rupture propagation models. The single-window method does a better job of recovering the true seismic moment and the average rupture velocity. The multi-window method is preferable when rise time is strongly variable, but tends to overestimate the seismic moment. Both methods work well when the rise time is constant or short compared to the periods modeled. Neither approach can recover the temporal details of rupture propagation unless the distribution of slip amplitude is constrained by independent data.

Realistic modelling of observed seismic motion in compIex sedimentary basins

Abstract: Three applications of a numerical technique are illustrated to model realistically the seismic ground motion for complex two-dimensional structures. First we consider a sedimentary basin in the Friuli region, and we model strong motion records from an aftershock of the 1976 earthquake. Then we simulate the ground motion caused in Rome by the 1915, Fucino (Italy) earthquake, and we compare our modelling with the damage distribution observed in the town. Finally we deal with the interpretation of ground motion recorded in Mexico City, as a consequence of earthquakes in the Mexican subduction zone. The synthetic signals explain the major characteristics (relative amplitudes, spectral amplification, frequency content) of the considered seismograms, and the space distribution of the available macroseismic data. For the sedimentary basin in the Friuli area, parametric studies demonstrate the relevant sensitivity of the computed ground motion to small changes in the subsurface topography of the sedimentary basin, and in the velocity and quality factor of the sediments. The relative Arias Intensity, determined from our numerical simulation in Rome, is in very good agreoment with the distribution of damage observed during the Fucino earthquake. For epicentral distances in the range 50 km-100 km, the source location and not only the local soil conditions control the local effects. For Mexico City, the observed ground motion can be explained as resonance effects and as excitation of local surface waves, and the theoretical and the observed maximum spectral amplifications are very similar. In general, our numerical simulations estimate the maximum and average spectral amplification for specific sites, i.e. they are a very powerful tool for accurate micro-zonation

A finite-element numerical approach for modeling tsunamis

Abstract: A numerical scheme suitable for modeling tsunamis is developed and tested against available analytical solutions. The governing equations are the shallow water nonlinear nondispersive equations that are known to be appropriate for tsunami generation and propagation in coastal waters. The integration scheme is based on a finite-element space discretization, where the basic elements are triangles and the shape functions are linear. The time integration is a double step algorithm that is accurate to the second order in the time step ?t. The boundary conditions are pure reflectivity and complete transmissivity on the solid and open boundaries respectively and are implemented by modifying the time integration scheme in a suitable way. The model performance is evaluated by comparing the results with the analytical solutions in selected cases and is quite satisfactory, even when the grid has a coarse spatial resolution.

Seismic source dynamics, heterogeneity and friction

Abstract: It has recently been proposed by several authors that stress distribution around active faults may become critical spontaneously. Other authors believe that heterogeneity is a permanent feature of fault planes. We test these ideas on a simple but realistic fault model in the presence of non-linear rate-dependent friction. We find that if friction increases with decreasing slip rate, slip becomes unstable at low slip rates generating supersonic healing phases that lock slip prematurely. Locking of slip in turn produces stress heterogeneity. For a fault model containing a single localized asperity, Das and Okubo found that rupture starts at the asperity and propagates until it either encounters a strong barrier or the stress intensity reduces below a minimum level. Rupture in these models is completely controlled by the physics of the rupture front. Rate dependent friction changes the behavior of the fault in a fundamental way: friction can lock the fault prematurely generating supersonic healing phases. Unlike stopping phases produced by barriers, a healing phase is not a wave phenomenon; it is a direct consequence of the non-linearity of friction. In this case rise time for slip on the fault is no longer controlled by the overall size of the fault as in conventional constant-friction crack models. We find that in our asperity models it is rise time or the healing mechanism that controls the final size of the fault. Studying models involving several isolated asperities we find that stress heterogeneity is preserved provided that friction is strongly rate dependent. Depending on the details of the rupture process, the final state of stress on the fault can be quite complex. This behavior is not universal, it depends on the degree of rate-dependence of friction.

Structural and hydrogeological features of Pleistocene shear zones in the area of Rome (Central Italy)

Abstract: The last tectonic episode observed in the Latium Tyrrhenian margin (Central Italy), few km cast of Rome, is represented by a set of middIe-upper Pleistocene N-S shear zones, characterised by complex geometric and kinematic setting. The easternmost of these shear zones displays a strike-slip component of motion and is located at the boundary between the Apennine carbonate chain and the volcanic areas. The distribution of travertine deposits and hydrothermal springs suggests that this fault zone acts as an impermeable barrier for lateral flow derived from superficial karstic circuit, and as a preferential upwelling surface for deep hydrothermal fluids. We propose that high fluid pressure could develop inside these fault zones favouring the reactivation of buried pre-existing crustal discontinuities and the local re-orientation of the stress field, as testified by the geometry and the kinematics of the surface fault pattern.

Slip heterogeneity, body-wave spectra, and directivity of earthquake ruptures

Abstract: We present a broadband kinematic model based on a self-similar k-square distribution of the coseismic slip, with an instantaneous rise-time and a constant rupture velocity. The phase of the slip spectrum at high wave number is random. This model generates an ?-squared body-wave radiation, and a particular directivity factor C2d scaling the amplitude of the body-wave spectra, where Cd is the standard directivity factor. Considering the source models with a propagating pulse and a finite rise-time, we assume that within the slipping band, the rupture has some random character, with small scale rupture in various directions. With such a model, the pulse cannot be resolved, and the directivity factor is still C2d at low frequency; at periods shorter than the rise-time, however, the directivity effect drops to much smaller rms values. This frequency dependent directivity effect, which is expected to be the strongest for sites located in the direction of rupture, was evidenced for the Landers 1992 earthquake, leading to a 2 to 3 s rise-time of the slip pulse. This kinematic model can be used with more refined theoretical Green's functions, including near-field terms and surface waves, or with empirical Green's functions, for generating realistic broadband records in the vicinity of moderate to large earthquakes, in a frequency range relevant for engineering applications (0 Hz to about 20 Hz).

From tomographic images to fault heterogeneities

Abstract: Local Earthquake Tomography (LET) is a useful tool for imaging lateral heterogeneities in the upper crust. The pattern of P- and S-wave velocity anomalies, in relation to the seismicity distribution along active fault zones. can shed light on the existence of discrete seismogenic patches. Recent tomographic studies in well monitored seismic areas have shown that the regions with large seismic moment release generally correspond to high velocity zones (HVZ's). In this paper, we discuss the relationship between the seismogenic behavior of faults and the velocity structure of fault zones as inferred from seismic tomography. First, we review some recent tomographic studies in active strike-slip faults. We show examples from different segments of the San Andreas fault system (Parkfield, Loma Prieta), where detailed studies have been carried out in recent years. We also show two applications of LET to thrust faults (Coalinga, Friuli). Then, we focus on the Irpinia normal fault zone (South-Central Italy), where a Ms = 6.9 earthquake occurred in 1980 and many thousands of attershock travel time data are available. We find that earthquake hypocenters concentrate in HVZ's, whereas low velocity zones (LVZ’ s) appear to be relatively aseismic. The main HVZ's along which the mainshock rupture bas propagated may correspond to velocity weakening fault regions, whereas the LVZ's are probably related to weak materials undergoing stable slip (velocity strengthening). A correlation exists between this HVZ and the area with larger coseismic slip along the fault, according to both surface evidence (a fault scarp as high as 1 m) and strong ground motion waveform modeling. Smaller wave-length, low-velocity anomalies detected along the fault may be the expression of velocity strengthening sections, where aseismic slip occurs. According to our results, the rupture at the nucleation depth (~ 10-12 km) is continuous for the whole fault lenoth (~ 30 km), whereas at shallow depth, different fault segments are activated due to lateral heterogeneities in the sedimentary cover. This finding confirms that the rupture process is controlled by lithologic and structural discontinuities in the upper crust, and emphasizes the contribution that LET can make to the study of fault mechanics.

Seismic signals detection and classification using artiricial neural networks

Abstract: Pattern recognition belongs to a class of Problems which are easily solved by humans, but difficult for computers. It is sometimes difficult to formalize a problem which a human operator can casily understand by using examples. Neural networks are useful in solving this kind of problem. A neural network may, under certain conditions, simulate a well trained human operator in recognizing different types of earthquakes or in detecting the presence of a seismic event. It is then shown how a fully connected multi layer perceptron may perform a recognition task. It is shown how a self training auto associative neural network may detect an earthquake occurrence analysing the change in signal characteristics.

The Canadian National Seismograph Network

Abstract: The Canadian National Seismograph Network currently consists of 5 very-broadband (VBB) and 15 broadband (BB) stations across Canada, supplemented by 6 short period (SP) stations. When it is completed by the end of 1995, a further 1 VBB, 12 BB and over 40 SP stations will have been added. Data from all sites are telemetered in real time to twin network acquisition, processing and archiving centres in Eastern and Western Canada. All data are continuously archived in SEED format on optical disk and access to the most recent three days of data is provided through a mail-based AutoDRM system. Continuous data from the VBB sites are sent to the FDSN Data Management Centre approximately one month after being recorded.

The 1990.0 magnetic repeat station survey and normal reference fields for Italy

Abstract: A survey of 116 repeat stations of the Italian Magnetic Network was carried out between 1989 and 1992. We describe the characteristics of the selected network repeat station sites, the characteristics of the measuring equipment, the data reduction procedure and the analysis in terms of normal field, data mapping and secular variation. Together with the values from our previous campaigns, we also determined, for all elements, the normal fields of secular variation. The new repeat station data are listed. Results, maps and normal fields are discussed with respect to previous work and future survey plans.

Solar cycle and seasonal behaviour of quasi two and rive day oscillations in the time variations of fOF2

Abstract: Seasonal and solar cycle variations of the quasi-two- and five-day oscillation amplitudes off f0F2 are evaluated by moving periodogram analysis. The 23 year time series (1964-1986) of fOF2 hourly values of Kaliningrad (54.7°N, 20.62°E), covering the solar cycles 20 and 21, is used for the analysis. Long term variations of these amplitudes are modulated by the 11-year solar cycle and are simultaneously influenced by the geomagnetic activity. The annual variation of the quasi-two- and five-day oscillation amplitudes has very clear maxima near the equinoxes. The mechanism of the influence of the travelling planetary waves in the meteor wind region by vertical plasma drift to the F2-layer electron density maximum is discussed.

Remanent and induced magnetization in the volcanites of Lipari and Vulcano (Aeolian Islands)

Abstract: The role of remanent and induced magnetization as sources of magnetic anomalies in the Lipari and Vulcano islands has been studied by systematic sampling. Remanent magnetization is higher than induced magnetization in almost all lithotypes. Its polarity is normal, and the mean directions are close to the present magnetic field. A slight thermal enhancement of the magnetic susceptibility occurs up to 450-500 °C, followed by a fall up to the Curie point, which is comprised in the range 550 ± 30 °C. This points to titanomagnetite as the main carrier of magnetization. The blocking temperature spectrum of the remanence ranges between the Curie point and 400 °C in most lithotypes, and falIs to 150-200 °C in the pyroclastic deposits. The results as a whole yield an outline of the areal distribution of the total magnetization intensity within the two islands.

The impact of earthquakes on fluids in the crust

Abstract: The character of the hydrological changes that follow major earthquakes has been investigated and found to be critically dependent on the style of fault displacement. In areas where fracture-flow in the crystalline crust communicates uninterrupted with the surface the most significant response is found to accompany major normal fault earthquakes. Increases in spring and river discharges peak a few days after the earthquake and typically excess flow is sustained for a period of 4 12 months. Rainfall equivalent discharges, have been found to ceed 100 mm close to the fault and remain above 10 mm at distances greater than 50 km. The total volume of water released in two M 7 normal fault earthquakes in the Western U.S.A. was 0.3-0.5 km3. In contrast, hydroIogical changes accompanying reverse fault earthquakes are either undetected or else involve falls in well-levels and spring-flows. The magnitude and distribution of the water-discharge for these events is compared with deformation models calibrated from seismic and geodetic information, and found to correlate with the crustal volume strain down to a depth of at least 5 km. Such relatively rapid drainage is only possible if the fluid was formerly contained in high aspect ratio fissures interconnected throughout much of the seismogenic upper crust. The rise and decay times of the discharge are shown to be critically dependent on crack widths, for which the «characteristic» or dominant cracks cannot be wider than 0.03 mm. These results suggest that fluid-filled cracks are ubiquitous throughout the brittle continental crust, and that these cracks open and close through the earthquake cycle. Seismohydraulic fluid flows have major implications for our understanding of the mechanical and chemical behaviour of crustal rocks, of the tectonic controls of fluid flow associated with petroleum migration, hydrothermal mineralisation and a significant hazard for underground waste disposal.

Self-potential time series analysis in a seismic area of the Southern Apennines: preliminary results

Abstract: The self-potential time series recorded during the period May 1991 - August 1992 by an automatic station, located in a seismic area of Southern Apennines, is analyzed. We deal with the spectral and the statistical features of the electrotellurie precursors: they can play a major role in the approach to seismic prediction. The time-dynamics of the experimental time series is investigated, the cyclic components and the time trends are removed. In particular we consider the influence of external noise, related to anthropic activities and meteoclimatic parameters, and pick out the anomalies from the residual series. Finally we show the preliminary results of the correlation between the anomalies in the time patterns of self-potential data and the earthquakes which occurred in the area.

Interplanetary magnetic field and its possible effects on the mid-latitude ionosphere III

Abstract: Using critical frequencies, f0F2 from the Lannion, Slough, Poitiers, Garchy, Dourbes, Rome, Juliusrud, Gibilmanna, Pruhonice, Uppsala, Kaliningrad, Miedzeszyn, Sofia, Athens and Kiev ionosonde stations, the possible effects of the orientation of the Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) on mid-latitude ionosphere are further investigated. This time, only the southward polarity changes in IMF Bz with seasonal effects were considered. The same method of analysis was employed to facilitate a comparison between the recent results presented here with those which appeared in the preceding papers in the series. That is, the regular diurnal, seasonal and solar cycle variations in the f0F2 data were removed by subtracting the mean of the f0F2 for the same UT on all magnetically quite days (Ap < 6) within 15 days around the IMF Bz turnings (Tulunay, 1994). This last paper also includes the seasonal effects on the ionospheric data. The results confirm that much of the day-to-day variability of the mid-latitude ionosphere may be related to the orientation of the southward IMF Bz , characterized by the ionospheric winter anomaly. Day-to-day ionospheric variability becomes more significant towards higher latitudes.

A simple P-wave polarization analysis: its application to earthquake location

Abstract: We present a method for hypocentral location which takes into account all three components of ground motion and not only the vertical one, as it is usually done by standard least-square techniques applied to arrival times. Assuming that P-wave particle motion direction corresponds to the propagation direction of the seismic wave, we carried out a simple statistical analysis of ground motion amplitudes, carefully using three-component records. We obtained the azimuth and the emersion angle of the seismic ray, which, added to Pg and Sg arrival times, allowed us to find reliable hypocentral coordinates of some local events by means of a ray-tracing technique. We compared our locations to those obtained using a least-square technique: our polarization method's dependence on the accuracy of the model used (on the contrary, the least-square technique proved to be quite stable with respect to changes in the model's velocity parameters) led us to conclude that polarization data provide coherent information on the true ray-path and can be successfully used for both location procedures and seismic wave propagation studizs in strongly heterogeneous media.

Fault geometry and earthquake mechanics

Abstract: Earthquake mechanics may be determined by the geometry of a fault system. Slip on a fractal branching fault surface can explain: 1) regeneration of stress irregularities in an earthquake; 2) the concentration of stress drop in an earthquake into asperities; 3) starting and stopping of earthquake slip at fault junctions, and 4) self-similar scaling of earthquakes. Slip at fault junctions provides a natural realization of barrier and asperity models without appealing to variations of fault strength. Fault systems are observed to have a branching fractal structure, and slip may occur at many fault junctions in an earthquake. Consider the mechanics of slip at one fault junction. In order to avoid a stress singularity of order 1/r, an intersection of faults must be a triple junction and the Burgers vectors on the three fault segments at the junction must sum to zero. In other words, to lowest order the deformation consists of rigid block displacement, which ensures that the local stress due to the dislocations is zero. The elastic dislocation solution, however, ignores the fact that the configuration of the blocks changes at the scale of the displacement. A volume change occurs at the junction; either a void opens or intense local deformation is required to avoid material overlap. The volume change is proportional to the product of the slip increment and the total slip since the formation of the junction. Energy absorbed at the junction, equal to confining pressure times the volume change, is not large enongh to prevent slip at a new junction. The ratio of energy absorbed at a new junction to elastic energy released in an earthquake is no larger than P/µ where P is confining pressure and µ is the shear modulus. At a depth of 10 km this dimensionless ratio has th value P/µ= 0.01. As slip accumulates at a fault junction in a number of earthquakes, the fault segments are displaced such that they no longer meet at a single point. For this reason the volume increment for a given slip increment becomes larger. A juction with past accumulated slip ??0 is a strong barrier to earthquakes with maximum slip um < 2 (P/µ) u0 = u0/50. As slip continues to occur elsewhere in the fault system, a stress concentration will grow at the old junction. A fresh fracture may occur in the stress concentration, establishing a new triple junction, and allowing continuity of slip in the fault system. The fresh fracture could provide the instability needed to explain earthquakes. Perhaps a small fraction (on the order of P/µ) of the surface that slips in any earthquake is fresh fracture. Stress drop occurs only on this small fraction of the rupture surface, the asperities. Strain change in the asperities is on the order of P/µ. Therefore this model predicts average strais change in an earthquake to be on the order of (P/µ)2 = 0.0001, as is observed.

Further study of fOF2 and M(3000)F2 in different solar cycles

Abstract: Measured monthly median fOF2 and M(3000)F2 for Slough over six solar cycles from 1932 onwards are examined for a selection of hours and months. Data are shown as a function of twelve-monthly smoothed sunspot number. Comparisons are made for the different solar cycles and for the rising and falling halves of each cycle. Measurements for individual cycles are compared with best-fit parabolic regression lines over all cycles to investigate possible systematic long-term effects.

The MEDNET Program

Abstract: MEDNET is a network of very-broadband, high resolution seismographic stations primarily installed in countries of the Mediterranean area. Support for stations in developing countries comes from World Laboratory (Lausanne), a non-governmental international organisation. The project started in 1989 and now lists 15 active stations. It kept a special emphasis on the Mediterranean area, as its main target area, but also included stations in Nepal and Antarctica by following other Italian national initiatives. Three stations are in cooperation with University of Trieste (TTE), GEOSCOPE (SSB), and IRIS/GSN (TBT). Stations in Antarctica are installed and maintained in the framework of the Italian Antarctic Program (PNRA).

ROSE: a high performance oblique ionosonde providing new opportunities for ionospheric research

Abstract: A high quality high frequency (HF) oblique ionosonde has been developed for use in propagation research and associated studies of the ionosphere. The ionosonde is known as ROSE (radio oblique sounding equipment) and requires the connection of a specially designed enhancement to a commercially available chirp sounder receiver (RCS-5) manufactured by the BR Corporation in the U.S.A. Two important features are brought about by the addition of this enhancement. Firstly, an increase in the resolution of an ionogram by a factor of approximatety three. This allows the fine structure in the ionospheric returns to be detected. Secondly, colour coding of the ionogram according to the amplitude of the received signal. Detailed mode amplitude information and comparisons of the relative strengths of propagating modes can be achieved through this. Additional features which are provided include display handling, data storage and off-line analytical facilities. This paper describes the system architecture of ROSE, its main features and its application to ionospheric research.

Application of seismogram synthesis to the study of earthquake source from strong motion records

Abstract: We present the results of an analysis of the Michoacan and Landers earthquakes to constrain the kinematic description of the rupture process. The example of the Michoacan earthquake shows that a crack type model is better a dislocation model to describe the displacement in the vicinity of the fault. We also show that this in contradiction with the fact that the faulting appears to be a complex process. We attribute this complexity to instabilities in crack growth. The June 28, Landers earthquake offers an exceptional opportunity to apply a new inversion technique to a major strike slip event. We model the rupture evolution including local differences in slip durations and variations in rupture velocity. The slip distribution shows that this event consists of a series of regions of high slip (sub-events) separated by regions of relative low slip. Our inversion favors the hypothesis that the duration of the slip at each point is of the order of the duration of the rupture of each sub-event and is consistent with a crack type process occurring during each sub-event. For such a large earthquake, the slip duration is however smaller than the total rupture duration.

GSETT 3: a test of an experimental international seismic monitoring system

Abstract: The UN Conference on Disarmament's Group of Scientific Experts (GSE) was established in 1976 to consider international co operative measures to detect and identify seismic events. Over the years, the GSE has developed and tested several concepts for an International Seismic Monitoring System (ISMS) for the purpose of assisting in the verification of a potential comprehensive test ban treaty. The GSE is now planning its third global technical test. (GSETT 3) in order to test new and revisled concepts for an ISMS. GSETT 3 wili be an unprecedented global effort to conduct an operationally realistic test of rapid collection, distribution and processing of seismie data. A global network of seismograph stations will provide data to an International Data Center, where the data will be processed an results made available to participants. The full scaIe phase of GSETT 3 is scheduled to begin in January 1995.

TEC and f0F2 comparison

Abstract: Following an investigation on the calibration of Faraday Rotation measurements by the slab thickness method, several interesting results have been obtained concerning the limits of application of TEC data in f0F2 modelling at middle latitudes.