Wavelet Inversion for SliP (WISP): Open-source earthquake slip modeling software

Seismological Research Letters
By: , and 

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Abstract

Models of the spatiotemporal evolution of earthquake slip, termed finite-fault models, are a critical component of rapid earthquake and tsunami response, earthquake forecasting, seismic ground-motion estimates, and studies of earthquake kinematics. Here, we detail a newly released finite-fault modeling software, Wavelet Inversion for SliP (WISP), in use at the U.S. Geological Survey’s National Earthquake Information Center (NEIC) and available to the public. WISP version 1.1.0 allows inversion of teleseismic body and surface waves, as well as local strong-motion, static and dynamic Global Navigation Satellite System, and satellite imagery (e.g., Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar) observations on single or multiple planar fault segments. The software is used in NEIC rapid response of earthquakes Mw ≥ 7, generally resulting in a published model within the first few hours after the event origin time. The rupture location and dimensions are then used as inputs to downstream products to estimate earthquake shaking, predict loss, and model the likelihood of secondary hazards, namely landslides and liquefaction. WISP is also used in research studies to evaluate the characteristics of complex ruptures including multifault ruptures and earthquake doublets, among others. The WISP version 1.1.0 software release is composed of Python-wrapped FORTRAN code to accomplish the inversion procedure. A simple command line interface facilitates ease of use even for those with only a cursory knowledge of Python scripting. WISP version 1.1.0 includes a Jupyter Notebook tutorial demonstrating use of the software for modeling the 2015 Mw 8.3 Illapel, Chile, earthquake. In parallel with the tutorial, we demonstrate the typical usage of the WISP software using the Mw 8.3 Illapel earthquake example here.

Suggested Citation

Goldberg, D.E., Hunsinger, H., Koch, P., Haynie, K.L., Melgar, D., Riquelme, S., 2026, Wavelet Inversion for SliP (WISP): Open-source earthquake slip modeling software: Seismological Research Letters, 17 p., https://doi.org/10.1785/0220250055.

ISSN: 1938-2057 (online)

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Wavelet Inversion for SliP (WISP): Open-source earthquake slip modeling software
Series title Seismological Research Letters
DOI 10.1785/0220250055
Edition Online First
Publication Date February 23, 2026
Year Published 2026
Language English
Publisher Seismological Society of America
Contributing office(s) Geologic Hazards Science Center - Seismology / Geomagnetism
Description 17 p.
Country Chile
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