Radiation of Seismic Surface-Waves from Finite Moving Sources

Citation

Ben-Menahem, Ari (1961) Radiation of Seismic Surface-Waves from Finite Moving Sources. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/14NZ-KT62. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-03172006-103207

Abstract

A theory is proposed for the propagation of seismic surface-waves from finite moving sources. The method consists of obtaining, in the first place, basic solutions for surface displacements from directional sources. These solutions are integrated to obtain the effect of a moving fault with arbitrary dip angle. Displacements are evaluated for Rayleigh and Love-waves, at long ranges. It is shown that the dimensions of the source and the speed of rupture play an important role in the wave-pattern and cannot be ignored whenever the dimensions of the source are of the order of the radiation's dominant-wave-length. It is demonstrated how this theory may lead to a derivation of the velocity of rupture and the fault-length from seismic records of a single station. Evidence is furnished both from two-dimensional model experiments and the Chilean Earthquake of May 1960.

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