Estimations of Q{gamma}-1 from Seismic Rayleigh Waves

It is shown in this investigation that the Rayleigh waves from large nuclear explosions with an assumed circular radiation pattern, are very suitable data sources for determining the specific attenuation factor, Q γ −1. Welldetermined values of Q γ −1 are presented within the frequency range 0.015-0...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Geophysical Journal International
Main Author: Burton, Paul W.
Format: Text
Language:English
Published: Oxford University Press 1974
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Online Access:http://gji.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/short/36/1/167
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-246X.1974.tb03631.x
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Summary:It is shown in this investigation that the Rayleigh waves from large nuclear explosions with an assumed circular radiation pattern, are very suitable data sources for determining the specific attenuation factor, Q γ −1. Welldetermined values of Q γ −1 are presented within the frequency range 0.015-0.11 Hz and a realistic upper limit to the frequency range, beneath which the Q γ −1 values are reliable, is estimated for each event by making particular use of the individual spectral phase curves of each seismogram. In general the higher frequency values of Q γ −1 are larger when determined from Novaya Zemlya than for the Lop Nor test site in China. The largest values of Q γ −1 are found at the lower frequencies for all the events. In other words the results indicate a degree of regional variation within the upper layers of the Earth overlying a consistent region of dissipation at depths around 100 km which is common to all the events analysed.