Depth Estimation of Earthquakes in Southwest Asia using Back Projection of Multiple Seismic Phases

Abstract:

Depth determination is a powerful discriminant in seismic event monitoring as deep earthquakes share amplitude characteristics of explosions. We explore the use of array back projection of multiple body wave phases from earthquakes located in Southwest Asia to estimate source depth. In particular, we focus our efforts on earthquakes estimated to be less than 100km in depth where depth phases (pP, sP) are difficult to identify. Data consist of vertical component records from IMS arrays at regional to far regional distances and the HiNet array at teleseismic distances. We compare regional and teleseismic results to assess confidence in the depth estimates as extension to small events only detectable at regional distances is a goal of this research.