The IASPEI Standard Seismic Phase List

Abstract

At a meeting in Hanoi on 23 August 2001, the IASPEI Commission on Seismological Observation and Interpretation decided to set up a Working Group on Standard Phase Names. The working group has put together a modified standard nomenclature of seismic phases that is meant to be concise, consistent, and self-explanatory on the basis of agreed rules. We did not try to create a complete list of all phases. The list is open to further development. The list is not meant to satisfy specific requirements of seismologists to name various phases used in a particular type of research. Instead, it is hoped that the new list will ensure expanded standardized data reporting and exchange by data analysts and other users. This should result in a broad and unambiguous database for research and practical applications. At the same time the list and the principles outlined below may provide useful guidance for naming previously unknown seismic phases. The new nomenclature partially modifies and complements an earlier one published in the last edition of the Manual of Seismolagical Observatory Practice (Willmore, 1979) and in the seismic bulletins published by ISC. It is more in tune with modern Earth and travel-time models. As opposed to former practice, the working group (hereinafter WG) tried to make sure that the phase name generally reflects the type of wave and the path it has traveled. Accordingly, symbols for characterizing onset quality, polarity, etc. will no longer be part of the phase name. The WG is also aware that seismic phases exist that are common in some regions but are only rarely or not found in other regions, such as Pb (P*), PnPn, PbPb, etc. The extended list of phase names as presented below reflects significantly increased detection capabilities of modern seismic sensors and sensor arrays, even of …