Open AccessEstimations of Q γ −1 from Seismic Rayleigh Waves
Author(s) -
Burton Paul W.
Publication year - 1974
Publication title -
geophysical journal of the royal astronomical society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.302
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1365-246X
pISSN - 0016-8009
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-246x.1974.tb03631.x
Subject(s) - seismogram , geology , seismology , attenuation , rayleigh wave , range (aeronautics) , dissipation , coda , seismic wave , phase (matter) , rayleigh scattering , surface wave , physics , optics , materials science , composite material , thermodynamics , quantum mechanics
Summary It is shown in this investigation that the Rayleigh waves from large nuclear explosions with an assumed circular radiation pattern, are very suitable data sources for determining the specific attenuation factor, Q γ −1 . Welldetermined values of Q γ −1 are presented within the frequency range 0.015‐0.11 Hz and a realistic upper limit to the frequency range, beneath which the Q γ −1 values are reliable, is estimated for each event by making particular use of the individual spectral phase curves of each seismogram. In general the higher frequency values of Q γ −1 are larger when determined from Novaya Zemlya than for the Lop Nor test site in China. The largest values of Q γ −1 are found at the lower frequencies for all the events. In other words the results indicate a degree of regional variation within the upper layers of the Earth overlying a consistent region of dissipation at depths around 100 km which is common to all the events analysed.