Seismic-wave attenuation associated with crustal faults in the New Madrid seismic zone

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Abstract

The attenuation of upper crustal seismic waves that are refracted with a velocity of about 6 kilometers per second varies greatly among profiles in the area of the New Madrid seismic zone in the central Mississippi Valley. The waves that have the strongest attenuation pass through the seismic trend along the axis of the Reelfoot rift in the area of the Blytheville arch. Defocusing of the waves in a low-velocity zone and/ or seismic scattering and absorption could cause the attenuation; these effects are most likely associated with the highly deformed rocks along the arch. Consequently, strong seismic-wave attenuation may be a useful criterion for identifying seismogenic fault zones.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Seismic-wave attenuation associated with crustal faults in the New Madrid seismic zone
Series title Science
DOI 10.1126/science.248.4953.351
Volume 248
Issue 4953
Year Published 1990
Language English
Publisher Science
Contributing office(s) Earthquake Science Center
Description 4 p.
First page 351
Last page 354
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