Combining Love and Rayleigh waves in detecting and locating seismic sources

Surface waves are critical in detecting and locating seismic sources that do not produce much high-frequency radiation. For such sources, typical approaches using body waves for detecting and locating earthquakes are less effective. Slow earthquakes and exotic seismic sources often have this seismic radiation characteristic, and array analyses of surface waves recorded on global and regional seismic networks have proven effective in recognizing such sources. Most approaches have relied on Rayleigh waves, whereas Love waves have rarely been used. Here we develop a new approach using multiscale arrays to detect and locate seismic sources with both Love and Rayleigh surface waves. The method first forms three-station subarrays and then uses three-component records of the stations to independently estimate three sets of surface wave propagation directions and centroid arrival times. The subarray estimates are then assembled to locate seismic sources and their origin times. We find that using multiple, disconnected global networks improves location accuracy and that using both types of surface waves can enhance detection sensitivity and robustness.

Automated summary

A new method using multiscale arrays to detect and locate seismic sources with both Love and Rayleigh surface waves is developed. The method estimates the surface wave propagation directions and arrival times independently using three-component records of three-station subarrays. The subarray estimates are then assembled to locate seismic sources and their origin times. It is found that using multiple, disconnected global networks improves location accuracy and that using both types of surface waves can enhance detection sensitivity and robustness.