Efficiency of a seismic network from the viewpoint of mathematical information theory: application to the Andalucia (Spain) seismic network

Abstract

Concepts of information theory applied to data from the Andalucia (Spain) seismic network permit the discussion of whether data are correctly used in determining epicentres. The elementary definition of Shannon's information allows a discussion of the coverage of the epicentres in terms of azimuths and distances to the seismic stations. The contributions of all the stations of the network to the coverage is also investigated. Data were obtained from 13 seismic stations and 765 epicentral determinations corresponding to the seismic activity of the years 1983-84 and some months of 1985 in the Central Belies area (Southern Spain). Information theory concepts were applied to the data after a distribution of epicentres according to their m o values and hypocentral depths. The obtained results show a better treatment of very shallow earthquakes, especially of those with values of m b less than or equal to 2.5. No significant different coverages were obtained for the sets of earthquakes classified according to their hypocentral depths and m b values.