Calculation of Source and Structure Parameters at Regional and Teleseismic Distances

Abstract

Teleseismic receiver functions for structure under Pasadena, California (PAS) are derived from azimuthally distributed teleseismic P waves recorded on Benioff 1-90 instrumentation. The broadband three-component Benioff 1-90 system is peaked at a 1-s period allows resolution of major crustal interfaces from large Ps conversions seen in the receiver function data. The observed body wave data are quite complex, showing exceptionally large Ps conversions and scattered waves on horizontal components. Radial and tangential motions are of equal magnitude and show major off-azimuth converted Ps waves, suggesting large-scale crustal heterogeneity beneath the station. Stochastic simulations of one-dimensional plane layered structure show that geologically unreasonable one-dimensional models are required to fit the data. The observed coda decay yields a scattering Q estimate of 239 at a 2-s period using an energy flux model for a propagating plane wave interacting with a scattering layer over a homogeneous half-space. PAS coda is compared to coda from deep teleseisms, it is seen that scattering is more severe at PAS, as reflected in higher coda levels and slower decay rate. Consideration of energy partitioning and coda amplitude suggests that much of the coda consists of scattered surface waves. Analysis of a major Ps conversion arriving 3 s after direct P indicates that a major crustal discontinuity at about 20 km depth dips at moderate angles to the north under the San Gabriel Mountains. This interface probably represents the crustal tectonic boundary between the Transverse Ranges and the Los Angeles Basis.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 13, 1989
Accession Number
ADA214297

Entities

People

  • Charles A. Langston
  • Roy J. Greenfield

Organizations

  • Pennsylvania State University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Earth Sciences
  • Geography
  • Geology
  • Geometry
  • Geophysics
  • Group Velocity
  • Phase Velocity
  • Planetary Sciences
  • Seismic Waves
  • Seismology
  • Temperature Gradients
  • Three Dimensional
  • Two Dimensional
  • United States
  • Wave Propagation
  • Waveforms

Readers

  • Fluid Dynamics.
  • Seismology

Technology Areas

  • Space