A rapid algorithm for estimating fault plane solution using polarity-amplitude data: application of a non-linear programming approach

Abstract

We propose an efficient and rapid algorithm for estimating fault plane solution. This algorithm, based on a constrained non-linear programming approach, allows one to estimate the unknown focal mechanism using P-wave onset polarity data and/or a rough description of some P-wave onset amplitude. The performance capability of the algorithm is tested using an event that was detected with an unfavourable station array distribution. Combining the P-wave onset polarity and absolute amplitude data, we show that this non-linear approach may substantially improve the estimated focal mechanism.