Seismic Noise and Episodic Tremor: Improving Models for External Sources to Improve Detection of Internal Ones

University Of California-San Diego Scripps Inst Of Oceanography, La Jolla CA

Investigators

Abstract

This project is measuring noise levels on the borehole seismometers and strainmeters installed as part of the Plate Boundary Observatory component of EarthScope. These measurements establish at what times the data represent background noise, and at what other times anomalous signals are happening. These anomalous signals include both small earthquakes, and other signals such as episodic tremor, which has only recently been observed, and which can be difficult to distinguish from noise. Better measurements of these signals are important in understanding the behavior of the fault zones around which these instruments have been installed.