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Evidence of low Q below Popocatépetl Volcano, and its implication to seismic hazard in Mexico City
Author(s) -
Shapiro N. M.,
Singh S. K.,
IglesiasMendoza A.,
CruzAtienza V. M.,
Pacheco J. F.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/1999gl011232
Subject(s) - seismology , geology , intraplate earthquake , volcano , seismogram , seismic wave , seismic hazard , seismic noise , shear (geology) , shear waves , geophysics , petrology , tectonics
Seismograms recorded in Mexico City reveal that the amplitudes of seismic waves whose wavepaths pass below Popocatépetl, presently an volcano, before reaching the city are diminished by a factor of about one‐third at frequencies greater than 1 Hz as compared to those which do not cross the volcano. The high attenuation of seismic waves below the volcano may be attributed to the presence of magma and partial melting of rocks. Q of shear waves below the volcano is roughly estimated as 60. A consequence of the large attenuation of high‐frequency seismic waves is a decrease in the seismic hazard to low‐rise buildings in Mexico City from intraplate earthquakes whose wavepaths cross the volcano.