On the limits of linear moment-tensor inversion of teleseismic body wave spectra

The limits of linear moment-tenser inversions from long-period teleseismic body waves are analysed in detail, using inverse methods. We focus our attention on single-station and few-stations methods. Information on the feasibility of full or deviatoric moment-tenser determinations prior to inversion are-deduced from the system conditioning. The resolution and correlation of the moment-tensor components are analysed using the resolution matrix. Conclusions on the importance and independence of the data are drawn from the information matrix. The single-station case and its implications are discussed in greater detail, as well as possible constraints on the inversion.