An algorithm for the optimum distribution of a regional seismic network ? II. An analysis of the accuracy of location of local earthquakes depending on the number of seismic stations

Abstract

Seven optimal networks consisting of 4 to 10 stations are compared for a given region, where velocity-depth profiles and the distribution of seismic intensity are known. Assuming that the standard error of arrival time is σ t =0.05 s and the standard errors of the parameters of velocity-depth profiles are equal to 5% of their values, the average standard errors of the origin time $$\langle \sigma _{t_0 } \rangle $$ and focus coordinates $$\langle \sigma _{x_0 } \rangle , \langle \sigma _{y_0 } \rangle , \langle \sigma _{z_0 } \rangle $$ are estimated. The application of optimum methods to the planning of seismic networks in the Lublin Coal Basin is presented, and maps of standard errors of origin time $$(\sigma _{t_0 } )$$ , depth $$(\sigma _{z_0 } )$$ and epicenter (σ xy ) for the case of an optimum network of 6 seismic stations are given.