Local explosion detection and infrasound localization by reverse time migration using 3-D finite-difference wave propagation

Frontiers in Earth Science
By: , and 

Links

Abstract

Infrasound data are routinely used to detect and locate volcanic and other explosions, using both arrays and single sensor networks. However, at local distances (<15 km) topography often complicates acoustic propagation, resulting in inaccurate acoustic travel times leading to biased source locations when assuming straight-line propagation. Here we present a new method, termed Reverse Time Migration-Finite-Difference Time Domain (RTM-FDTD), that integrates numerical modeling into the standard RTM back-projection process. Travel time information is computed across the entire potential source grid via FDTD modeling to incorporate the effects of topography. The waveforms are then back-projected and stacked at each grid point, with the stack maximum corresponding to the likely source. We apply our method to three volcanoes with different network configurations, source-receiver distances, and topography. At Yasur Volcano, Vanuatu, RTM-FDTD locates explosions within ∼20 m of the source and differentiates between multiple vents. RTM-FDTD produces a more accurate location for the two Yasur subcraters than standard RTM and doubles the number of detected events. At Sakurajima Volcano, Japan, RTM-FDTD locates the source within 50 m of the active vent despite notable topographic blocking. The RTM-FDTD location is similar to that from the Time Reversal Mirror method, but is more computationally efficient. Lastly, at Shishaldin Volcano, Alaska, RTM and RTM-FDTD both produce realistic source locations (<50 m) for ground-coupled airwaves recorded on a four-station seismic network. We show that RTM is an effective method to detect and locate infrasonic sources across a variety of scenarios, and by integrating numerical modeling, RTM-FDTD produces more accurate source locations and increases the detection capability.

Study Area

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Local explosion detection and infrasound localization by reverse time migration using 3-D finite-difference wave propagation
Series title Frontiers in Earth Science
DOI 10.3389/feart.2021.620813
Volume 9
Year Published 2021
Language English
Publisher Frontiers
Contributing office(s) Volcano Science Center
Description 620813, 14 p.
Country United States, Japan, Vanuatu
State Alaska
Other Geospatial Sakurajima Volcano, Shishaldin Volcano, Yasur Volcano, Vanuatu
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details