| Popis: |
A simple, fast, moment-tensor inversion method using bandpass-filtered P-amplitudes was used to study the moment-tensor statistics of Long Valley caldera microearthquakes. The events were recorded in the summer of 1997, during a swarm in the caldera. The swarm was associated with geodetic extension, uplift, and subsequent moderate earthquake activity. The moment tensor solutions for 1,993 events were calculated using the new method. The majority of the resulting focal mechanisms appear to be explained in terms of double couple mechanisms. Since some events did exhibit considerable deviation from double-couples, the moment data were studied for their statistical significance. The moments of the actual data were compared to the moments of synthetic data with varying degrees of random noise in their spectra. The results of this study suggested that unless data from more than 20 stations are used and the earthquake epicenter is located inside or very close to the network area, moment-tensor inversion does not correctly resolve the non-double-couple components of microearthquakes. Analysis of the inversion residuals shows that the average noise in the P-wave spectra was close to 20%. The fluctuations of the volumetric components of the moment-tensor are in good agreement with those of the synthetic pure double-couples with 20% of added noise. Thus the moment-tensor statistics suggests that little if any volume change is required to explain the observed seismic energy release in the swarm. However, the statistics do show that a significant compensated-linear-vector-dipole component maybe present in the bulk of the seismicity. Given the network used in this study, such a component could not be precisely resolved for individual earthquakes. This possibility deserves further investigation because of its bearing on the nature of fluid-fault-earthquake processes in swarms. |
Full text from SpringerLink