Seismic Propagation in the Kuriles/Kamchatka Region

• Main Authors: Hart, R. S., Kaufman, S. K.
• Other Authors: SIERRA GEOPHYSICS INC ARCADIA CA
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 1980
• Subjects: Seismology; *SEISMIC WAVES; VELOCITY; PROPAGATION; PROFILES; EARTH CRUST; RAY TRACING; EARTH MANTLE; PACIFIC OCEAN ISLANDS; LITHOSPHERE; KAMCHATKA PENINSULA; LITHOSPHERIC SLABS; KURILE ISLANDS; Kamchatka Peninsula; Pacific; Kamchatka
• Online Access: http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/ADA088671; http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=ADA088671

An analysis of seismic propagation in the crust and upper mantle of the Kuriles/Kamchatka region has been completed in support of the MSS site evaluation. Both three-dimensional ray tracing techniques and generalized ray theory methods have been utilized to model the propagation through a highly complex, laterally varying structure. The structural model of the upper mantle and descending lithospheric slab developed by Veith (1974) was modified for this study to include the observed change in angle of descent of the slab along the trench. The intensity of incident seismic energy at the surface was mapped and contoured for seismic rays refracting through the three-dimensional mantle structure. Synthetic seismogram profiles were also computed to investigate the waveguide effects of the lithosphere at the surface and to analyze the contribution of diffracted and multiple reflected energy, particularly within areas of classical shadow zones. (Author) Original contains color plates: All DTIC/NTIS reproductions will be in black and white. Includes transparency.