Hydrophone Investigations of Earthquake and Explosion Generated High-Frequency Seismic Phases.

Abstract

Data from the Wake Island Hydrophone Array has been used in studies related to the detection and discrimination of underground nuclear explosions. These include: (1) comparative studies of explosion phases from sites at comparable epicentral distances in the highly efficient propagational distance range of 60 deg to 90 deg; (2) some preliminary estimates of detection level thresholds; (3) estimates of deep ocean noise levels and comparisons to quiet continental sites; (4) determinations of the stability of yield estimates; and (5) the location of significant earthquakes unreported by both the NEIS and ISC, but well-recorded at great distances by elements of the Wake array, in the interior and along the subducting margins of the Western Pacific Basin. The unreported earthquakes in the southwest Pacific have led, in part, to the discovery of a new subduction zone - the Micronesian Trench. Unreported earthquakes in the interior of the basin and along its subducting margins may also have associated gravitational effects of Air Force relevance. Finally, data from the Wake array has been useful in a partial resolution of the reported 'mystery cloud' of 9 April 1984 and in the analysis of T-phases from underground explosions in the Tuamotus. Keywords: Body waves, Spectral analysis, Hydrophone recordings; Nuclear explosion detection, Marine seismology, Guided phases.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 30, 1986
Accession Number
ADA172543

Entities

People

  • Daniel A. Walker

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Sensors
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Abstracts
  • Acoustics
  • Air Force
  • Ambient Noise
  • Arms Control
  • Birds
  • Detection
  • Digital Data
  • Frequency Bands
  • Measurement
  • Nuclear Explosions
  • Recording Systems
  • Ridges
  • Seabed
  • Seismology
  • Topography
  • United States

Readers

  • Acoustical Oceanography.
  • Seismology
  • Theoretical Analysis.