Strong-motion displacements, recorded at 33 km (IVC) and 36 km (ELC) from the November 4, 1976 Brawley earthquake, are modeled using the Cagniard-deHoop technique. The IVC record consists almost entirely of transversely polarized motion, whereas the ELC record contains an approximately equal proportion of transversely and radially polarized motion. A simplified shear-wave velocity model was determined from the compressional wave refraction studies of Biehler, Kovach, and Allen (1964). The epicentral location and focal mechanism computed from P-wave first-arrival studies were used to locate and orient a double-couple point source within the layered half-space. The far-field time function and source depth were the only parameters without good independent constraints. A triangular far-field time function with a duration of 1.5 sec and a source depth of 7 km were sufficient to model the first 25 sec of tangential ground motion. It appears that the effects of velocity structure on the propagation of long-period SH waves are predictable in the Imperial Valley. A study of the synthetic Fourier amplitude spectra indicates that wave propagation effects should be included in studies of source spectra and seismic wave attenuation.

This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access.

First Page Preview

First page PDF preview
You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.