Determining the source characteristics of explosions near the Earth's surface
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
We present a method to determine the source characteristics of explosions near the airearth interface. The technique is an extension of the regional amplitude envelope method and now accounts for the reduction of seismic amplitudes as the depth of the explosion approaches the free surface and less energy is coupled into the ground. We first apply the method to the Humming Roadrunner series of shallow explosions in New Mexico where the yields and depths are known. From these tests, we find an appreciation of knowing the material properties for both source coupling/excitation and the free surface effect. Although there is the expected tradeoff between depth and yield due to coupling effects, the estimated yields are generally close to the known values when the depth is constrained to the free surface. We then apply the method to a regionally recorded explosion in Syria. We estimate an explosive yield less than the 60 tons claimed by sources in the open press. The modifications to the method allow us to apply the technique to new classes of events, but we will need a better understanding of explosion source models and properties of additional geologic materials.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- Grant/Contract Number:
- AC52-07NA27344
- OSTI ID:
- 1234621
- Alternate ID(s):
- OSTI ID: 1785769
- Report Number(s):
- LLNL-JRNL-667133
- Journal Information:
- Geophysical Research Letters, Vol. 42, Issue 10; ISSN 0094-8276
- Publisher:
- American Geophysical UnionCopyright Statement
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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