On reducing the amplitude of surface waves by source arrays

The Geneva conference of experts stated that surface waves help define the nature of a seismic perturbation. A `phase equalization` method has been proposed by several seismologists to determine the polarity of the source using crustal surface waves. In this report a horizontal source array is designed which will reduce the amplitude of the crustal surface waves by a factor of five. Experimental data from Geophysical Prospecting is cited to support the effectiveness of such arrays. It is thought that phase shifts will accompany this amplitude reduction. It is concluded that these amplitude and phase changes will make the phase equalization method unreliable. The significance of the report is that the Geneva negotiations must take into account the possibility of horizontal as well as vertical arrays