Evaluation of topographic effects on P and S-waves of explosions at the northern Novaya Zemlya test site using 3-D numberical simulations

Journal Article · Wed Sep 23 04:00:00 EDT 1992 · Geophysical Research Letters (American Geophysical Union); (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/92GL02147· OSTI ID:5246716

Frankel, A; Leith, W

Using a 3-D finite difference simulation, the authors calculated the effects of surface topography on the amplitudes and waveforms of seismic waves generated by a hypothetical nuclear explosion at the northern Novaya Zemlya test site (Matochkin Shar). The simulation shows substantial azimuthal variations in the amplitude of the downgoing P waveform at shallow depths beneath the source, caused by variations in the amplitude of pP. However, these azimuthal amplitude variations diminish as the wavefront propagates deeper in the crust. Based on these results, they estimate that the topographic scarp considered here produces a maximum azimuthal variation of [+-]0.05 magnitude units for m[sub b] determined from teleseismic P-waves. The sloping topography causes substantial SH motion for azimuths along the strike of the scarp. 5 refs., 7 figs.

• OSTI ID: 5246716
• Journal Information: Geophysical Research Letters (American Geophysical Union); (United States), Journal Name: Geophysical Research Letters (American Geophysical Union); (United States) Vol. 19:18; ISSN GPRLAJ; ISSN 0094-8276
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

350300 -- Arms Control-- Verification-- (1987-)
45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
450300* -- Military Technology
Weaponry
& National Defense-- Nuclear Explosion Detection
98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL PROTECTION
ASIA
CALCULATION METHODS
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
COUPLING
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
EUROPE
EXPLOSIONS
FINITE DIFFERENCE METHOD
GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES
ITERATIVE METHODS
NUMERICAL SOLUTION
SEISMIC P WAVES
SEISMIC S WAVES
SEISMIC WAVES
SIMULATION
UNDERGROUND EXPLOSIONS
USSR