Using Array‐Derived Rotational Motion to Obtain Local Wave Propagation Properties From Earthquakes Induced by the 2018 Geothermal Stimulation in Finland

• Published in: Geophysical Research Letters
• Main Authors: Taylor, G., Hillers, G., Vuorinen, T.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: 2021
• Subjects: Fennoscandian
• Online Access: https://gfzpublic.gfz-potsdam.de/pubman/item/item_5006298

We estimate vertical rotation rates for 204 earthquakes that were induced by the 2018 stimulation of the Espoo/Helsinki geothermal reservoir from wavefield gradients across geophone arrays. The array-derived rotation rates from seismograms recorded at 6–9 km hypocentral distances vary between 10−9 and 10−7 rad s−1, indicating a comparable sensitivity to portable rotational instruments. Using co-located observations of translational and rotational motion, we estimate the local propagation direction and the apparent phase speed of SH waves, and compare these estimates with those obtained by S wave beamforming. Propagation directions generally align with the earthquake back azimuths, but both techniques show deviations indicative of heterogeneous seismic structure. The rotational method facilitates a station-by-station approach that resolves site specific variations that are controlled by the local geology. We measure apparent S wave speeds larger than 5 km s−1, consistent with steep incidence angles and high propagation velocities in the Fennoscandian Shield.