Seismic Shear Waves as a Discriminant between Earthquakes and Underground Nuclear Explosions
Abstract
The theoretical amplitude ratio of shear waves to compressional waves is computed using point double-couple representations of earthquakes. These ratios are compared to earthquake data from the LRSM and VELA observatory network. The earthquake data on shear-to-compressional ratios from this network is directly compared to that from NTS underground nuclear explosions. The shear-to-compressional ratio in the teleseismic distance range is found to be significantly greater for earthquakes than explosions, especially in the short- period band. However, use of shear wave data to discriminate between earthquakes and explosions is hampered by a high detection threshold.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 05, 1972
- Accession Number
- AD0747763
Entities
People
- D. H. Von Seggern
Organizations
- Teledyne Technologies