Showing papers in "Journal of Seismology in 2011"

The moment magnitude Mw and the energy magnitude Me: common roots and differences

Abstract: Starting from the classical empirical magnitude-energy relationships, in this article, the derivation of the modern scales for moment magnitude Mw and energy magnitude Me is outlined and critically discussed. The formulas for Mw and Me calculation are presented in a way that reveals, besides the contributions of the physically defined measurement parameters seismic moment M0 and radiated seismic energy ES, the role of the constants in the classical Gutenberg–Richter magnitude–energy relationship. Further, it is shown that Mw and Me are linked via the parameter Θ = log(ES/M0), and the formula for Me can be written as Me = Mw + (Θ + 4.7)/1.5. This relationship directly links Me with Mw via their common scaling to classical magnitudes and, at the same time, highlights the reason why Mw and Me can significantly differ. In fact, Θ is assumed to be constant when calculating Mw. However, variations over three to four orders of magnitude in stress drop Δσ (as well as related variations in rupture velocity VR and seismic wave radiation efficiency ηR) are responsible for the large variability of actual Θ values of earthquakes. As a result, for the same earthquake, Me may sometimes differ by more than one magnitude unit from Mw. Such a difference is highly relevant when assessing the actual damage potential associated with a given earthquake, because it expresses rather different static and dynamic source properties. While Mw is most appropriate for estimating the earthquake size (i.e., the product of rupture area times average displacement) and thus the potential tsunami hazard posed by strong and great earthquakes in marine environs, Me is more suitable than Mw for assessing the potential hazard of damage due to strong ground shaking, i.e., the earthquake strength. Therefore, whenever possible, these two magnitudes should be both independently determined and jointly considered. Usually, only Mw is taken as a unified magnitude in many seismological applications (ShakeMap, seismic hazard studies, etc.) since procedures to calculate it are well developed and accepted to be stable with small uncertainty. For many reasons, procedures for ES and Me calculation are affected by a larger uncertainty and are currently not yet available for all global earthquakes. Thus, despite the physical importance of ES in characterizing the seismic source, the use of Me has been limited so far to the detriment of quicker and more complete rough estimates of both earthquake size and strength and their causal relationships. Further studies are needed to improve ES estimations in order to allow Me to be extensively used as an important complement to Mw in common seismological practice and its applications.

Peak ground motion predictions in India: an appraisal for rock sites

Abstract: Proper selection and ranking of Ground Motion Prediction Equations (GMPEs) is critical for successful logic-tree implementation in probabilistic seismic hazard analysis. The present study explores this issue in predicting peak ground accelerations at the rock sites in India. Macroseismic intensity data complemented with limited strong ground-motion recordings are used for the purpose. The findings corroborate the possible conformity between the GMPEs developed for tectonically active shallow crust across the globe. On the other hand, the relevant GMPEs in the intraplate regions cluster into two different groups with the equations of lower ranks catering to higher ground motions. The earthquakes in the subduction zones have significant regional implications. However, affinity in the ground-motion attenuations between the major interface events (MW > 7.4) in Andaman-Nicobar, Japan and Cascadia, respectively, is noted. This can be also observed for the intraslab events in the Hindukush and Taiwan respectively. Overall, we do not observe any significant advantage with the equations developed using the regional data. These findings are expected to be useful in probabilistic seismic hazard analysis across the study region.

Love wave contribution to the ambient vibration H/V amplitude peak observed with array measurements

Abstract: This study applies array methods to measure the relative proportions of Love and Rayleigh waves in the ambient vibration wavefield. Information on these properties is of special relevance for frequencies around the horizontal-to-vertical (H/V) spectral amplitude ratio peak. The analysis of H/V curves, a popular technique in site characterisation, commonly assumes that the curves represent the frequency-dependent Rayleigh wave ellipticity. For the detailed interpretation of amplitudes or the inversion of the curves, it is therefore necessary to estimate and correct for the contribution of other wave types to the ambient vibration wavefield. I use available ambient vibration array measurements to determine the relative amount of Love and Rayleigh waves on the horizontal components by frequency-dependent analysis of the main propagation and polarisation directions, with a special emphasis on the H/V peak frequency as determined from the same recordings. Tests with synthetic data demonstrate the feasibility of this approach, at least in the presence of dominant source regions. Analysis of the data from 12 measurements at nine European sites, which include shallow as well as deep locations that span a wide range of impedance contrasts at the sediment-bedrock interface, indicates that the relative contribution of Rayleigh waves varies widely with frequency, from close to 0% to more than 70%. While most data sets show relative Rayleigh wave contributions between 40% and 50% around the H/V peak, there are also examples where Love waves clearly dominate the wavefield at the H/V peak, even for a site with a low impedance contrast. Longer-term measurements at one site indicate temporal variations in the relative Rayleigh wave content between day- and nighttime. Results calculated with the method introduced herein generally compare well with results of modified spatial autocorrelation analysis. These two methods might be used in a complimentary fashion, as both rely on different properties of the ambient vibration wavefield. This study illustrates that it is possible to measure the relative Rayleigh wave content of the noise wavefield from array data. Furthermore, the examples presented herein indicate it is important to estimate this property, as the assumption that there are an equal proportion of Love and Rayleigh waves is not always correct.

The Djidjelli (Algeria) earthquakes of 21 and 22 August 1856 (I0 VIII, IX) and related tsunami effects Revisited

Abstract: New historical data from primary sources, allow us to revisit the Djidjelli earthquakes of 21 and 22 August 1856 (I0 VIII, IX respectively). These two large seismic events are among the most significant events that have affected the North African coast. They have caused extensive damage and generated a tsunami that propagated at several harbours of the western Mediterranean Sea. The effects of each earthquake are analysed from all documentary source materials, emphasising the confrontation of observations and data for an accurate reconstruction of the macroseismic field of both events. The method used provides a more precise way to determine the characteristics of the Djidjelli earthquakes.

Rapid directivity detection by azimuthal amplitude spectra inversion

Abstract: An early detection of the presence of rupture directivity plays a major role in the correct estimation of ground motions and risks associated to the earthquake occurrence. We present here a simple method for a fast detection of rupture directivity, which may be additionally used to discriminate fault and auxiliary planes and have first estimations of important kinematic source parameters, such as rupture length and rupture time. Our method is based on the inversion of amplitude spectra from P-wave seismograms to derive the apparent duration at each station and on the successive modelling of its azimuthal behaviour. Synthetic waveforms are built assuming a spatial point source approximation, and the finite apparent duration of the spatial point source is interpreted in terms of rupture directivity. Since synthetic seismograms for a point source are calculated very quickly, the presence of directivity may be detected within few seconds, once a focal mechanism has been derived. The method is here first tested using synthetic datasets, both for linear and planar sources, and then successfully applied to recent Mw 6.2–6.8 shallow earthquakes in Peloponnese, Greece. The method is suitable for automated application and may be used to improve kinematic waveform modelling approaches.

The 23 April 1909 Benavente earthquake (Portugal): macroseismic field revision

Abstract: The 23 April 1909 earthquake, with epicentre near Benavente (Portugal), was the largest crustal earthquake in the Iberian Peninsula during the twentieth century (Mw = 6.0). Due to its importance, several studies were developed soon after its occurrence, in Portugal and in Spain. A perusal of the different studies on the macroseismic field of this earthquake showed some discrepancies, in particular on the abnormal patterns of the isoseismal curves in Spain. Besides, a complete list of intensity data points for the event is unavailable at present. Seismic moment, focal mechanism and other earthquake parameters obtained from the instrumental records have been recently reviewed and recalculated. Revision of the macroseismic field of this earthquake poses a unique opportunity to study macroseismic propagation and local effects in central Iberian Peninsula. For this reasons, a search to collect new macroseismic data for this earthquake has been carried out, and a re-evaluation of the whole set has been performed and it is presented here. Special attention is paid to the observed low attenuation of the macroseismic effects, heterogeneous propagation and the distortion introduced by local amplifications. Results of this study indicate, in general, an overestimation of the intensity degrees previously assigned to this earthquake in Spain; also it illustrates how difficult it is to assign an intensity degree to a large town, where local effects play an important role, and confirms the low attenuation of seismic propagation inside the Iberian Peninsula from west and southwest to east and northeast.

Crustal structure of Northwest Zagros (Kermanshah) and Central Iran (Yazd and Isfahan) using teleseismic Ps converted phases

Abstract: Receiver functions are widely employed to detect P-to-S converted waves and are especially useful to image seismic discontinuities in the crust. In this study we used the P receiver function technique to investigate the velocity structure of the crust beneath the Northwest Zagros and Central Iran and map out the lateral variation of the Moho boundary within this area. Our dataset includes teleseismic data (M b ≥ 5.5, epicentral distance from 30° to 95°) recorded at 12 three-component short-period stations of Kermanshah, Isfahan and Yazd telemetry seismic networks. Our results obtained from P receiver functions indicate clear Ps conversions at the Moho boundary. The Moho depths were firstly estimated from the delay time of the Moho converted phase relative to the direct P wave beneath each network. Then, we used the P receiver function inversion to find the properties of the Moho discontinuity such as depth and velocity contrast. Our results obtained from PRF are in good agreement with those obtained from the P receiver function modeling. We found an average Moho depth of about 42 km beneath the Northwest Zagros increasing toward the Sanandaj-Sirjan Metamorphic Zone and reaches 51 km, where two crusts (Zagros and Central Iran) are assumed to be superposed. The Moho depth decreases toward the Urmieh-Dokhtar Cenozoic volcanic belt and reaches 43 km beneath this area. We found a relatively flat Moho beneath the Central Iran where, the average crustal thickness is about 42 km. Our P receiver function modeling revealed a shear wave velocity of 3.6 km/s in the crust of Northwest Zagros and Central Iran increasing to 4.5 km/s beneath the Moho boundary. The average shear wave velocity in the crust of UDMA as SSZ is 3.6 km/s, which reaches to 4.0 km/s while in SSZ increases to 4.3 km/s beneath the Moho.

The MW 4.5 Vallorcine (French Alps) earthquake of 8 September 2005 and its complex aftershock sequence

Abstract: On 8 September 2005 a moderate MW 4.5 earthquake occurred in the north-western Alps midway between Chamonix (France) and Martigny (Switzerland). The focal mechanism corresponds to a right-lateral strike-slip on a N60°E fault plane. The foreshock–mainshock–aftershock sequence is investigated on the basis of data recorded by a temporary network of 28 stations deployed for 1 month just after the mainshock, and data from permanent, regional seismic networks. Absolute and relative locations of more than 400 events are obtained with a mean uncertainty of approximately 0.2 km. Small foreshocks, the mainshock, and early and late aftershocks are located relative to the main aftershock set. The seismic sequence exhibits a surprisingly complex structure, with at least five clusters on distinct fault planes. The main elongated cluster agrees with the location of the mainshock, its hypocenter being 4.3 km below sea level. We discuss the relationship between the right-lateral fault beneath the Loriaz peak (the source of the Vallorcine event), the nearby normal Remuaz fault, and the regional seismotectonic stress field.

The 1511 Eastern Alps earthquakes: a critical update and comparison of existing macroseismic datasets

Abstract: Three earthquakes condition the seismic hazard estimates of the Eastern Alps: the 1348 “Villach”, the 1511 “Idrija”, and the 1976 Gemona events. Only the last one can be well documented, while doubts remain for location and size of the other two. New documents have been found about the 1511 quake that, together with a complete revision of the information already available, offer some new indications on the location and size of the event.

Receiver function study in northern Sumatra and the Malaysian peninsula

Abstract: In this receiver function study, we investigate the structure of the crust beneath six seismic broadband stations close to the Sunda Arc formed by subduction of the Indo-Australian under the Sunda plate. We apply three different methods to analyse receiver functions at single stations. A recently developed algorithm determines absolute shear-wave velocities from observed frequency-dependent apparent incidence angles of P waves. Using waveform inversion of receiver functions and a modified Zhu and Kanamori algorithm, properties of discontinuities such as depth, velocity contrast, and sharpness are determined. The combination of the methods leads to robust results. The approach is validated by synthetic tests. Stations located on Malaysia show high-shear-wave velocities (VS) near the surface in the range of 3.4–3.6 km s − 1 attributed to crystalline rocks and 3.6–4.0 km s − 1 in the lower crust. Upper and lower crust are clearly separated, the Moho is found at normal depths of 30–34 km where it forms a sharp discontinuity at station KUM or a gradient at stations IPM and KOM. For stations close to the subduction zone (BSI, GSI and PSI) complexity within the crust is high. Near the surface low VS of 2.6–2.9 km s − 1 indicate sediment layers. High VS of 4.2 km s − 1 are found at depth greater than 6 and 2 km at BSI and PSI, respectively. There, the Moho is located at 37 and 40 km depth. At station GSI, situated closest to the trench, the subducting slab is imaged as a north-east dipping structure separated from the sediment layer by a 10 km wide gradient in VS between 10 and 20 km depth. Within the subducting slab VS ≈ 4.7 km s − 1. At station BSI, the subducting slab is found at depth between 90 and 110 km dipping 20° ± 8° in approximately N 60° E. A velocity increase in similar depth is indicated at station PSI, however no evidence for a dipping layer is found.

Coda wave attenuation in the Parecis Basin, Amazon Craton, Brazil: sensitivity to basement depth

Abstract: Small local earthquakes from two aftershock sequences in Porto dos Gauchos, Amazon craton—Brazil, were used to estimate the coda wave attenuation in the frequency band of 1 to 24 Hz. The time-domain coda-decay method of a single backscattering model is employed to estimate frequency dependence of the quality factor (Qc) of coda waves modeled using \(Q_{\rm c} =Q_{\rm 0} f^\eta \), where Q0 is the coda quality factor at frequency of 1 Hz and η is the frequency parameter. We also used the independent frequency model approach (Morozov, Geophys J Int, 175:239–252, 2008), based in the temporal attenuation coefficient, χ(f) instead of Q(f), given by the equation \(\chi (f)\!=\!\gamma \!+\!\frac{\pi f}{Q_{\rm e} }\), for the calculation of the geometrical attenuation (γ) and effective attenuation \((Q_{\rm e}^{-1} )\). Qc values have been computed at central frequencies (and band) of 1.5 (1–2), 3.0 (2–4), 6.0 (4–8), 9.0 (6–12), 12 (8–16), and 18 (12–24) Hz for five different datasets selected according to the geotectonic environment as well as the ability to sample shallow or deeper structures, particularly the sediments of the Parecis basin and the crystalline basement of the Amazon craton. For the Parecis basin \(Q_{\rm c} =(98\pm 12)f^{(1.14\pm 0.08)}\), for the surrounding shield \(Q_{\rm c} =(167\pm 46)f^{(1.03\pm 0.04)}\), and for the whole region of Porto dos Gauchos \(Q_{\rm c} =(99\pm 19)f^{(1.17\pm 0.02)}\). Using the independent frequency model, we found: for the cratonic zone, γ = 0.014 s − 1, \(Q_{\rm e}^{-1} =0.0001\), ν ≈ 1.12; for the basin zone with sediments of ~500 m, γ = 0.031 s − 1, \(Q_{\rm e}^{-1} =0.0003\), ν ≈ 1.27; and for the Parecis basin with sediments of ~1,000 m, γ = 0.047 s − 1, \(Q_{\rm e}^{-1} =0.0005\), ν ≈ 1.42. Analysis of the attenuation factor (Qc) for different values of the geometrical spreading parameter (ν) indicated that an increase of ν generally causes an increase in Qc, both in the basin as well as in the craton. But the differences in the attenuation between different geological environments are maintained for different models of geometrical spreading. It was shown that the energy of coda waves is attenuated more strongly in the sediments, \(Q_{\rm c} =(78\pm 23)f^{(1.17\pm 0.14)}\) (in the deepest part of the basin), than in the basement, \(Q_{\rm c} =(167\pm 46)f^{(1.03\pm 0.04)}\) (in the craton). Thus, the coda wave analysis can contribute to studies of geological structures in the upper crust, as the average coda quality factor is dependent on the thickness of sedimentary layer.

Upper-mantle S-velocity structure across the Zagros collision zone resolved by nonlinear teleseismic tomography

Abstract: Non-linear teleseismic S-phase tomography across the Zagros collision zone in southwestern Iran is used to determine a high-resolution image of the upper-mantle structure. The inversion was done using 41 high-quality earthquakes recorded by 19 broad-band and medium-band stations along a 620 km long profile across the collision zone. Smearing from strong crustal velocity anomalies into the upper-mantle is suppressed by travel-time corrections calculated based on a 3-D crustal model for the study area. Our results show that the relatively old and cold Arabian shield has a higher velocity (up to 6% faster, at depths between 70 and 300 km) than the younger lithosphere farther north in Central Iran. These two upper-mantle domains are separated by a sharp near-vertical transition whose surface expression coinciding with the Main Zagros Thrust.

Imaging a shallow salt diapir using ambient seismic vibrations beneath the densely built-up city area of Hamburg, Northern Germany

Abstract: Salt diapirs are common features of sedimentary basins. If close to the surface, they can bear a significant hazard due to possible dissolution sinkholes, karst formation and collapse dolines or their influence on ground water chemistry. We investigate the potential of ambient vibration techniques to map the 3-D roof morphology of shallow salt diapirs. Horizontal-to-vertical (H/V) spectral peaks are derived at more than 900 positions above a shallow diapir beneath the city area of Hamburg, Germany, and are used to infer the depth of the first strong impedance contrast. In addition, 15 small-scale array measurements are conducted at different positions in order to compute frequency-dependent phase velocities of Rayleigh waves between 0.5 and 25 Hz. The dispersion curves are inverted together with the H/V peak frequency to obtain shear-wave velocity profiles. Additionally, we compare the morphology derived from H/V and array measurements to borehole lithology and a gravity-based 3-D model of the salt diapir. Both methods give consistent results in agreement with major features indicated by the independent data. An important result is that H/V and array measurements are better suited to identify weathered gypsum caprocks or gypsum floaters, while gravity-derived models better sample the interface between sediments and homogeneous salt. We further investigate qualitatively the influence of the 3-D subsurface topography of the salt diapir on the validity of local 1-D inversion results from ambient vibration dispersion curve inversion.

Shear wave crustal velocity model of the Western Bohemian Massif from Love wave phase velocity dispersion

Abstract: We propose a new quantitative determination of shear wave velocities for distinct geological units in the Bohemian Massif, Czech Republic (Central Europe). The phase velocities of fundamental Love wave modes are measured along two long profiles (~200 km) crossing three major geological units and one rift-like structure of the studied region. We have developed a modified version of the classical multiple filtering technique for the frequency-time analysis and we apply it to two-station phase velocity estimation. Tests of both the analysis and inversion are provided. Seismograms of three Aegean Sea earthquakes are analyzed. One of the two profiles is further divided into four shorter sub-profiles. The long profiles yield smooth dispersion curves; while the curves of the sub-profiles have complicated shapes. Dispersion curve undulations are interpreted as period-dependent apparent velocity anomalies caused both by different backazimuths of surface wave propagation and by surface wave mode coupling. An appropriate backazimuth of propagation is found for each period, and the dispersion curves are corrected for this true propagation direction. Both the curves for the long and short profiles are inverted for a 1D shear wave velocity model of the crust. Subsurface shear wave velocities are found to be around 2.9 km/s for all four studied sub-profiles. Two of the profiles crossing the older Moldanubian and Tepla-Barrandian units are characterized by higher velocities of 3.8 km/s in the upper crust while for the Saxothuringian unit we find the velocity slightly lower, around 3.6 km/s at the same depths. We obtain an indication of a shear wave low velocity zone above Moho in the Moldanubian and Tepla-Barrandian units. The area of the Eger Rift (Tepla-Barrandian–Saxothuringian unit contact) is significantly different from all other three units. Low upper crust velocities suggest sedimentary and volcanic filling of the rift as well as fluid activity causing the earthquake swarms. Higher velocities in the lower crust together with weak or even missing Moho implies the upper mantle updoming.

A strong-motion database from the Peru–Chile subduction zone

Abstract: Earthquake hazard along the Peru–Chile subduction zone is amongst the highest in the world. The development of a database of subduction-zone strong-motion recordings is, therefore, of great importance for ground-motion prediction in this region. Accelerograms recorded by the different networks operators in Peru and Chile have been compiled and processed in a uniform manner, and information on the source parameters of the causative earthquakes, fault-plane geometries and local site conditions at the recording stations has been collected and reviewed to obtain high-quality metadata. The compiled database consists of 98 triaxial ground-motion recordings from 15 subduction-type events with moment magnitudes ranging from 6.3 to 8.4, recorded at 59 different sites in Peru and Chile, between 1966 and 2007. While the database presented in this study is not sufficient for the derivation of a new predictive equation for ground motions from subduction events in the Peru–Chile region, it significantly expands the global database of strong-motion data and associated metadata that can be used in the derivation of predictive equations for subduction environments. Additionally, the compiled database will allow the assessment of existing predictive models for subduction-type events in terms of their suitability for the Peru–Chile region, which directly influences seismic hazard assessment in this region.

Attenuation, source parameters and site effects in the Irpinia-Basilicata region (southern Apennines, Italy)

Abstract: We derive S-wave attenuation characteristics, earthquake source parameters and site amplification functions at seismic stations used for earthquake early warning in the Irpinia–Basilicata region, using non-parametric spectral inversion of seismograms from 49 local events with ML = 1.5–3.1. We obtain relatively low Q values (Q0 = 28 at a frequency of 1 Hz) in conjunction with a strong frequency-dependence (close to linear). The source spectra can be satisfactorily modeled using the omega-square model, with stress drops ranging between 0.01–2 MPa, and in the narrow magnitude range available for analysis, the source spectra seem to scale self-similarly. The local magnitude ML shows a linear correlation with moment magnitude MW, however with a systematic underestimation by about 0.5-magnitude units. The results obtained in this work provide important insights into the ground-motion characteristics that are required for appropriate seismic hazard assessment and are of practical relevance for a suite of applications, such as the calibration of ground-motion prediction equations or the correction for site amplification in earthquake early warning and rapid calculation of shake-maps for seismic emergency management.

Peak surface motion due to scattering of plane harmonic P, SV, or Rayleigh waves by a rough cavity embedded in an elastic half-space

Abstract: Scattering of plane harmonic P, SV, or Rayleigh waves by a two-dimensional rough cavity completely embedded in an isotropic elastic half-space is investigated by using a direct boundary integral equation method. The cavity’s roughness is assumed to be in the form of periodic or random perturbations of arbitrary amplitude superimposed to a smooth elliptical shape. For the randomly corrugated cavities the normal or the uniform probability distribution functions are assumed. Based on multiple random cavity results, the corresponding average surface response is computed. These are compared with the corresponding periodically corrugated and smooth cavity responses. The surface response is evaluated for different cavity shapes and incident waves and for a range of frequencies. The surface motion results are used to determine the peak surface motion frequencies. They depend strongly upon the basic inclusion shape (the principal axes) and the nature of the incident wave. Strong similarity in the peak surface motion frequencies can be observed for the rough and smooth cavity models for both circular and elliptical shapes. In order to quantify the importance of the cavity corrugation upon the surface motion, a roughness influence factor is defined in terms of the rough and smooth cavity surface responses. This factor strongly depends upon the type of the incident wave, the nature of the cavity corrugation, the basic cavity shape, and the frequency. The factor clearly shows the effect of the cavity roughness upon the surface motion.

Applications of cumulative absolute velocity to urban earthquake early warning systems

Abstract: An early warning system forewarns an urban area of the forthcoming strong shaking, normally with a few seconds to a few tens of seconds of early warning time before the arrival of the destructive S-wave part of the strong ground motion. For urban and industrial areas susceptible to earthquake damage, where the fault rupture system is complex and the fault-site distances are short, there is usually insufficient time to compute the hypocenter, focal parameters and the magnitude of an earthquake. Therefore, simpler and robust early warning algorithm is needed. The direct (engineering) early warning systems are based on algorithms of the exceedance of specified threshold time domain amplitude levels. The continuous stations’ data are processed to compute specific engineering parameters robustly and compared with specified threshold levels. The parameters can be chosen as band-pass filtered peak ground accelerations and/or the bracketed cumulative absolute velocity (BCAV). In this paper, an enhancement to bracket cumulative absolute velocity for the application of online urban early warning systems results in a new parameter called window based bracketed cumulative absolute velocity (BCAV-W). The BCAV-W allows computation of cumulative absolute velocity in a specified window size and to include the vertical component of the motion. The importance of choosing optimum window size for the cumulative absolute velocity BCAV-W is discussed and the correlations between BCAV-W and the macro-seismic intensity are studied for three combinations of horizontal and vertical components of the motion. Empirical relationship is developed to estimate BCAV-W as a function of magnitude, distance, fault mechanism, and site category based on 1,208 recorded ground motion data from 75 earthquakes in active plate-margins.

Seismic wavefront evolution of multiply reflected, transmitted, and converted phases in 2D/3D triangular cell model

Abstract: Conventionally grid-cell-based schemes for simulating seismic wavefront propagation, such as the finite difference eikonal equation solver or the shortest-path method, usually adopt regular grids or cells in model parameterization to obtaining (but not exclusively) first arrivals only. However, later arrivals, which often result from the velocity interfaces or discontinuities, can be prevalent and significant (sometimes of large amplitude), making them potentially important additional information to use in practical applications. To better approximate the data acquisition geometry and the irregular interfaces, we exploit a triangular shortest-path method (TSPM; that is to use triangular cells in model parameterization) to simulate seismic wavefront evolution, comprising any kind of transmissions, reflections (or refractions), mode conversions, and combinations thereof, in 2D/3D heterogeneous media. A practical procedure, known as the multistage scheme, was incorporated with the TSPM to propagate seismic wavefronts from one interface (or subsurface in 3D) to the next. By treating each separate layer that the wavefront enters as an independent computational domain, one can simulate wavefront transmission and mode conversion by reinitializing it in the adjacent layer and wavefront reflection (and/or conversion) by reinitializing it in the incident layer. To further improve the computational accuracy, a second level of forward star scheme, previously defined in the grid model, is introduced into the triangular cell model. Several examples (including the Marmousi model) are used to demonstrate the viability and versatility of the multistage TSPM in heterogeneous media, even in the presence of high-velocity contrasts involving interfaces of relatively high curvature. With the introduction of the second level of forward star scheme, the total numbers of nodes are reduced sufficiently, and hereafter the computer memory is less required. Most important is that the computing accuracy with the second-level forward star scheme can be largely improved over those with the first level of forward star scheme applied in the multistage TSPM scheme.

The MIKHNEVO small aperture array enhances the resolution property of seismological observations on the East European Platform

Abstract: The MIKHNEVO small aperture array of the NORES type (MHVAR) was installed in the central part of the East European Platform (EEP) in 2004. A short description of array configuration and instrumentation is provided. We consider two aspects of the contribution of the MHVAR data to the recording of seismic events in the EEP. First, we discuss three recent earthquakes on the EEP and compare focus solutions received by the Geophysical Survey RAS and MHVAR jointly and independently. The travel-time and back-azimuth residuals for MHVAR coincide well with the source-specific station corrections, evaluated earlier for the stations within the Platform. The second aspect deals with the location and identification of weak local events at distances of up to 500 km from MHVAR. In 2007, MHVAR independently recorded 623 local events with magnitudes (ML = 0.79–3.24) which are identified as quarry blasts.

A climatology of infrasound detections in northern Norway at the experimental ARCI array

Abstract: The study of infrasound is experiencing a renaissance in recent years since it was chosen as a verification technique for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. Currently, 60 infrasound arrays are being installed to monitor the atmosphere for nuclear tests as part of the International Monitoring System (IMS). The number of non-IMS arrays also increases worldwide. The experimental ARCES infrasound array (ARCI) is an example of such an initiative. The detectability of infrasound differs for each array and is a function of the array location and configuration, the state of the atmosphere, and the presence of natural and anthropogenic sources. In this study, a year of infrasound data is analyzed as recorded by ARCI. Contributions of the atmosphere and the sources are evaluated in both a low- (0.1–1.0 Hz) and high-frequency (1.0–7.0 Hz) pass-band. The enormous number of detections in the low-frequency band is explained in terms of the stratospheric wind and ocean wave activity and compared with the detection of microseism. Understanding the detectability in the low-frequency band is of utmost importance for successfully applying infrasound as a verification technique since small-sized nuclear test will show up in this frequency range.

Geometrical constraints for the configuration of the Vrancea (Romania) intermediate-depth seismicity nest

Abstract: For a seismogenic area like Vrancea (Romania) with well-defined geometrical features of the seismicity production in space and time, the numerical simulation of the earthquake generation process (e.g. cellular automaton) looks highly attractive. The delimitation, as accurately as possible, of the geometrical features of the seismically active system in the Vrancea subcrustal zone is essential to constrain the simulation modeling. As a first approximation, the seismicity pattern is close to a fault plane NE–SW oriented, extended roughly vertically between 60 and 170 km depth. A characteristic median plane is defined by minimizing the distance of hypocenters. The average distance of the hypocenters to the median plane is around 5 km. However, a more detailed investigation of the geometrical configuration of seismicity indicates a fragmentation of the active body located in the upper mantle in two segments. The seismicity pattern is well approximated by a planar distribution in each segment. In the transition zone, between the upper and lower segment, the hypocenter distribution is more dispersed and shows a disruption among the two planar segments, measured by about 9 km apart laterally one relative to the other. The two segments hosted the major Vrancea events recorded in the last two centuries (for which we have available location of acceptable accuracy). The narrow transition zone at about 100 km depth is interpreted as a weaker segment, possibly caused by a dehydration process or by an infiltration of asthenosphere material from the back side of the South-Eastern Carpathian arc system. It is still debatable if fragmentation in two seismically active segments reflects the existence of two neighbouring separate blocks (upper, continental and lower, oceanic block) or a consequence of a breaking process separating a continental block into two parts. The segmentation of the descending lithosphere and the edge effects are apparently stationary, at least for the time interval since 1985 to the present, for which the earthquake catalogue is reliable (homogeneous).

Attempt to identify seismic sources in the eastern Mitidja basin using gravity data and aftershock sequence of the Boumerdes (May 21, 2003; Algeria) earthquake

Abstract: In order to try to identify the seismogenic sources in the epicentral area, we interpreted data collected from gravity and aftershocks in the eastern part of the Mitidja basin after the occurrence of the 21 May 2003 Boumerdes earthquake (Mw = 6.8). The residual gravity anomaly and the horizontal gradient maps revealed the basement shape and density discontinuities. A seismotectonic model obtained from the aftershocks distribution and gravity data is proposed. This model highlights three active faults: one offshore and two onshore. The offshore reverse fault striking NE-SW, parallel to the coast, is consistent with the USGS focal mechanism of the main event, which is assumed to have the most moment release. The two onshore dipping blind active faults are postulated at crossing angles near the SW tip of the main fault. The interpretation is based mainly on the re-location and distribution of aftershocks, and their focal solutions. It is also supported by the basin structures obtained from the inversion and interpretation of residual gravity anomalies, as well as by additional compiled information such as the pattern of coastal co-seismic uplift. This configuration puts forward the failure mode complexity during the main shock. The topography of the basement obtained from 3D gravity inversion shows that all the onshore located aftershocks occurred in the basement, and the area between the two onshore faults rose as a consequence of their sliding.

Crustal thickness in Vrancea area, Romania from S to P converted waves

Abstract: Crustal thickness (CT) in Vrancea region (Romania) and adjacent area is investigated using 1294 S to P converted waves from the Moho discontinuity. A total of 269 local earthquakes in the depth range 99.8 to 171.1 km and recorded by 76 permanent and 46 temporary stations of the Romanian Seismological Network are used. Time difference between the converted wave and the direct P phase is corrected to a first order for epicentral distance and for the errors in focal depth, being finally inverted to CT. Greatest values for the Moho depth are observed for stations located in the Carpathians molasse foredeep and smaller values are observed in the Southern part of the Moesian Platform, for stations in the eastern part of Moldavian (East-European) Platform and in Dobrogea area, close to the Black Sea shoreline. In Vrancea epicentral area, an important CT variation is observed, from 42 km at MLR and 41.8 km at SIR, stations placed in the south-western part of the epicentral area, to 30.9 km at VRI, located above north-eastern part of the seismogenic volume. Stations CVO and OZU, placed in Transylvanian Basin in the proximity of the epicentral area, have CT values of 32.1 and 24.1 km, respectively. The results seem to support that a mantle delamination process is responsible for Vrancea intermediate depth seismicity.

1D and 2D site amplification effects at Tarcento (Friuli, NE Italy), 30 years later

Abstract: A temporary accelerometer network has been installed in Tarcento (Friuli, NE Italy), a small town heavily hit by the 1976–1977 Friuli earthquake sequence, as a part of an ongoing research project aimed at ground motion simulation and generation of shakemaps in the near-field of an earthquake. The network operated from October 2008 to April 2010 and consisted of three K2 accelerographs with internal Episensor, distributed over a linear array of about 1.5 km length. Tarcento town had been chosen, at the end of the 1970s, as the ideal site for a pilot microzonation study, the first of this kind in Italy, in which a substantial number of field (and laboratory) tests were carried out in order to assess the mechanical properties of local alluvium deposits and their complex (3D) geometrical configuration. The data from the temporary network, illustrated herein, allow for proper verification and review of some of the quantitative predictions formulated in the 1980 study. As argued in the discussion section, we also believe that the data are apt to provide valuable information of more general interest on the complex seismic response of alluvium-filled valleys, and we show therein how the observations can be interpreted in the light of presently available parametric simulation studies and simplified criteria for handling basin amplification effects.

A strong-motion database from the Central American subduction zone

Abstract: Subduction earthquakes along the Pacific Coast of Central America generate considerable seismic risk in the region. The quantification of the hazard due to these events requires the development of appropriate ground-motion prediction equations, for which purpose a database of recordings from subduction events in the region is indispensable. This paper describes the compilation of a comprehensive database of strong ground-motion recordings obtained during subduction-zone events in Central America, focusing on the region from 8 to 14° N and 83 to 92° W, including Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. More than 400 accelerograms recorded by the networks operating across Central America during the last decades have been added to data collected by NORSAR in two regional projects for the reduction of natural disasters. The final database consists of 554 triaxial ground-motion recordings from events of moment magnitudes between 5.0 and 7.7, including 22 interface and 58 intraslab-type events for the time period 1976–2006. Although the database presented in this study is not sufficiently complete in terms of magnitude–distance distribution to serve as a basis for the derivation of predictive equations for interface and intraslab events in Central America, it considerably expands the Central American subduction data compiled in previous studies and used in early ground-motion modelling studies for subduction events in this region. Additionally, the compiled database will allow the assessment of the existing predictive models for subduction-type events in terms of their applicability for the Central American region, which is essential for an adequate estimation of the hazard due to subduction earthquakes in this region.

Estimation of shear wave velocity profiles by the inversion of spatial autocorrelation coefficients

Abstract: The subsurface shear-wave velocity (Vs) is considered to be a key parameter for site characterization and assessment of earthquake hazard because of its great influence on local ground-motion amplification. Array microtremor measurements are widely used for the estimation of shear-wave velocities. Compared to other methods such as frequency-wavenumber (f-k) methods, the spatial autocorrelation (SPAC) method requires fewer sensors and thus is relatively easier to implement and gives robust estimations of shear-wave velocity profiles for depths down to a few hundred meters. The quantity derived from observed data is the SPAC coefficient, which is a function of correlation distance, frequency and phase velocity. Generally, estimation of Vs profiles is a two stage process: Estimation of the dispersion data from the SPAC coefficients and inversion of the dispersion data for shear-wave velocity structure. In this study, instead of inverting dispersion curves, a more practical approach is used; that is, observed SPAC coefficients are directly inverted for the S-wave velocities. A synthetic case and a field data application are presented to test the potential of the inversion algorithm. We obtain an iterative damped least-squares solution with differential smoothing. The differential smoothing approach constrains the change in shear-wave velocities of the adjacent layers and thus stabilizes the inversion.

3-D crustal structure in the Agadir region (SW High Atlas, Morocco)

Abstract: The 1960 Agadir earthquake (Mw 6.0) constitutes the most damaging earthquake event in Morocco. With the expansion of seismic networks during the last decade in Morocco, new seismic data have been collected in this region. The P and S arrivals at 19 stations located in Southern Morocco are used to investigate the lithosphere in the Agadir region. In this study, we use a linearized inversion procedure comprising two steps: (1) finding the minimal 1-D model and simultaneous relocation of hypocentres and (2) determination of local velocity structure using linearized inversion. The model parameterization in this method assumes a continuous velocity field. The resolution tests indicate that the calculated images give near true structure for the studied region from 0- to 45-km depth. The results show that the total crust thickness varies from 30 to 40 km in SW High Atlas and confirm the modest crustal tectonic shortening and thickening in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. The inferred geological structure reconstructed from the calculated image illustrates the existence of fault-related folding. The evidence for coseismic ruptures in 1960 on the Kasbah anticline combined with the 1960 earthquake hypocentre located in the tomographic image determines the seismic potential of the active fault and related fold. The resulting tomographic image shows a high-velocity anomalies that could be associated with the location of deep active fault (10–30 km) associated with the fold structure. In the South Atlas, theses anomalies could be associated with the South atlas thrust front structure.

Network of earthquakes and recurrences therein

Abstract: We quantify the correlation between earthquakes and use the same to distinguish between relevant causally connected earthquakes. Our correlation metric is a variation on the one introduced by Baiesi and Paczuski (Phys Rev E 69:066,106, 2004). A network of earthquakes is constructed, which is time-ordered and with links between the more correlated ones. Data pertaining to the California region has been used in the study. Recurrences to earthquakes are identified employing correlation thresholds to demarcate the most meaningful ones in each cluster. The distribution of recurrence lengths and recurrence times are analyzed subsequently to extract information about the complex dynamics. We find that the unimodal feature of recurrence lengths helps to associate typical rupture lengths with different magnitude earthquakes. The out-degree of the network shows a hub structure rooted on the large magnitude earthquakes. In-degree distribution is seen to be dependent on the density of events in the neighborhood. Power laws are also obtained with recurrence time distribution agreeing with the Omori law.

The seismotectonics of western Skagerrak

Abstract: The seismically active Skagerrak region in the border area between Denmark and Norway has traditionally been associated with uncertain earthquake locations due to the limited station coverage in the region. A new seismic station in southern Norway and a recent update of the earthquake database of the Danish National Net- work have led to a much more complete and ho- mogeneous data coverage of the Skagerrak area, giving the possibility of improved earthquake lo- cations in the region. In this study, we relocate earthquakes in the Skagerrak area to obtain a more exact picture of the seismicity and investi- gate well-recorded events to determine the depth distribution. Hypocenter depths are found to be generally in the range 11-25 km. Furthermore, new composite focal mechanisms are determined for clusters of events with similar waveforms. Re- sults indicate that the Skagerrak seismicity is asso- ciated with shallow, crustal faults oriented in the NS direction south of the Sorgenfrei-Tornquist Zone (STZ) as well as with the STZ itself. Mainly reverse faulting mechanisms along NE- SW oriented faults indicate maximum horizontal compression in the NW-SE direction. This is in agreement with World Stress Map generaliza- tions, most likely associated with ridge push forces from the mid-Atlantic ridge, though modified probably by local crustal weaknesses.