Effects of 3D attenuation on seismic wave amplitude and phase measurements

Document Type

Article

Date of Original Version

6-1-2010

Abstract

We incorporate 3D anelastic attenuation into the spectral-element method for seismic wave propagation. This advancement accommodates lateral variations in anelasticity on global, regional, or local scales. We use the method to investigate the effects of anelasticity in an upper mantle attenuation model in conjunction with a global wave-speed model and in a regional subduction zone model. These investi- gations reveal substantial and competing amplitude anomalies due to elastic and an- elastic variations,butrather minor anelastic effects onthe travel times ofseismic waves. Seismic studies utilizing amplitude data must therefore consider elastic and anelastic heterogeneity in tandem to avoid mapping one type of heterogeneity into the other.

Publication Title, e.g., Journal

Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America

Volume

100

Issue

3

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