Errors in Time Delay Measurements

TLDR: In this article, the authors investigated possible error sources in time delay measurements, using a computerized cross-correlation procedure, and found that relative low frequency waves and using the very first part of the P-signals give the most reliable and stable time delay values.

Abstract: Simple delay and sum of sensors in a seismic array is an effective method for noise suppression. However, unless we have precise steering delays, much of the signal energy is lost during the beam forming process too. We have investigated possible error sources in time delay measurements, using a computerized cross-correlation procedure. Parameters perturbed are correlation window length and positioning, signal frequency content and signal to noise ratio (SNR). Our results indicate that relative low frequency waves and using the very first part of theP-signals give the most reliable and stable time delay values. High frequency bandpass filtering improves SNR, but signal correlation and the precision in beam steering corrections decrease. Significant loss of high frequency energy during beamforming seems to be unavoidable.