Location and Characterization of Ambient Seismic Noise Using USArray

在这项研究中，PI分析由组成USArray的数百个地震仪记录的数据；然而，PI分析的不是来自地震的信号，而是分析由海浪的干扰和相互作用产生的地震能量。这一过程产生了背景噪声的环境场，通常被称为微震，可用于成像地球内部，并检测与火山和构造过程有关的地球结构的变化。特别是，PIS正在使用US阵作为一个巨大的地震天线来定位和描述世界各地海洋的微震源。有趣的是，许多震源区发生在海洋盆地的深水中，远离传统上被认为是微震主要来源的反射海岸线。对来自这些深水水源的微震能量的分析有可能阐明地球内部那些地震采样较差的部分，这些地震绝大多数发生在沿构造板块边界的狭窄地带。

In this study, the PIs are analyzing data recorded by the hundreds of seismometers that constitute USArray; however, instead of studying signals from earthquakes, the PIs are analyzing seismic energy that is created by the interference and interaction of ocean waves. This process generates an ambient field of background noise, often referred to as microseisms, that can be used to image Earth's interior, and to detect changes in Earth structure related to volcanic and tectonic processes. In particular, the PIs are using the USArray as a giant, seismic antenna to locate and characterize microseismic sources throughout the world's oceans. Interestingly, many of the source regions occur in the deep waters of ocean basins, far away from the reflecting coastlines that are traditionally considered to be the dominant source of microseisms. Analysis of microseismic energy from these deep water sources has the potential to illuminate those portions of Earth's interior that are poorly sampled by earthquakes, which overwhelming occur in narrow belts along the boundaries of tectonic plates.