EFFECTS OF HETEROGENEITY ON EARTHQUAKE LOCATION AT ISC

Earthquake location at the International Seismological Centre is carried out by routine least-squares analysis using Jeffreys-Bullen travel times. It is impossible to examine every earthquake in detail, but when obvious discrepancies in location become apparent, adjustments can be made by analysts, usually in phase identification or the restraint of depth. Such discrepancies often result from inappropriateness of the Jeffreys-Bullen model. The effect is most apparent in subduction zones, where it is often difficult to reconcile local and teleseismic observations, and differences from the standard model can result in substantial mislocations. Large events, located by steeply descending teleseismic phases, may be only slightly misplaced, with large residuals at close stations giving a true indication of velocity anomalies. Small events, however, are often significantly misplaced, although giving small residuals at a few close stations. These apparently well located events give compensating misinformation about velocities and location. In other areas, especially mid-oceanic ridges, difficulties in depth determination are likely to be related to deviations from a laterally homogeneous velocity model.