Decomposition of the Seismic Source Using Numerical Simulations and Observations of Nuclear Explosions
Abstract
We investigate the effects of explosion depth, tectonic stresses and topography on seismic waves from underground nuclear explosions. We perform three-dimensional calculations for an explosion inside and under a mountain, and then perform four three-dimensional calculations of an explosion at several depths in the topography of the North Korean test site. We also perform a large number of two-dimensional axisymmetric calculations of explosions at depths from 150 to 1000 meters in four earth structures, with compressive and tensile tectonic stresses and with no tectonic stresses. We find that P-waves are not strongly affected by any of these effects because the initial down going P-wave is unaffected by interaction with the free surface. Surface waves, however, are strongly affected by all of these effects. There is an optimal depth where surface waves are maximized at the base of a mountain and at or slightly below normal containment depth. At deeper depths, increasing overburden pressure reduces the surface waves. At shallower depths, interaction with the free surface reduces the surface waves. For explosions inside a mountain, displacement of the sides of the mountain reduces surface waves. Compressive prestress reduces surface wave substantially, while tensile prestress increases surface waves. The North Korean explosions appear to be at an optimal depth, in a region of extension, and beneath a mountain, all of which increase surface wave amplitudes. Measurements of Ms from Degelen and Shagan River explosions as small as 1.5 kilotons are consistent with the global average Ms:yield curve, while the North Korean explosions are high by about 0.6 magnitude units.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 31, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1048838
Entities
People
- Jeffry L. Stevens
- Michael H P O'Brien
- Thomas W. Thompson
Organizations
- Leidos