Cross-correlations Of Ambient Seismic Noise Research Articles

Ocean Bottom Seismometer Clock Correction using Ambient Seismic Noise

Ocean-bottom seismometers (OBSs) are equipped with seismic sensors that record acoustic and seismic events at the seafloor, which makes them suitable for investigating tectonic structures capable of generating earthquakes offshore. One critical parameter to obtain accurate earthquake locations is the absolute time of the incoming seismic signals recorded by the OBSs. It is, however, not possible to synchronize the internal clocks of the OBSs with a known reference time, given that GNSS signals are unable to reach the instrument at the sea bottom. To address this issue, here we introduce a new method to synchronize the clocks of large-scale OBS deployments. Our approach relies on the theoretical time-symmetry of time-lapse (averaged) crosscorrelations of ambient seismic noise. Deviations from symmetry are attributed to clock errors. This implies that the recovered clock errors will be obscured by lapse crosscorrelations' deviations from symmetry that are not due to clock errors. Non-uniform surface wave illumination patterns are arguably the most notable source which breaks the time symmetry. Using field data, we demonstrate that the adverse effects of non-uniform illumination patterns on the recovered clock errors can be mitigated by means of a weighted least-squares inversion that is based on station-station distances. In addition, our methodology permits the recovery of timing errors at the time of deployment of the OBSs. This error can be attributed to either: i) a wrong initial time synchronization of the OBS or ii) a timing error induced by changing temperature and pressure conditions while the OBS is sunk to the ocean floor. The methodology is implemented in an open-source Python package named OCloC, and we applied it to the OBS recordings acquired in the context of the IMAGE project in and around Reykjanes, Iceland. As expected, most OBSs suffered from clock drift. Surprisingly, we found incurred timing errors at the time of deployment for most of the OBSs.

Generating 1D depth profile of shear-wave velocity from ambient noise cross-correlation: application to Jakarta array

In the past decade, cross-correlations of ambient seismic noise have been exploited in various applications to model the shallow-to-deep structure of Earth’s interior through tomographic inversions. The stack of cross-correlations between a 2-station pair represents empirical Green’s function and comprises the information of the subsurface structure between those stations. In practice, noise correlation function (NCF) is analyzed to reconstruct surface wave group or phase velocity dispersion; then, the dispersion data is used to model shear-wave velocity (Vs). This study presents a case for temporary seismic networks deployed in the Jakarta Basin; we applied a two-step routine to obtain a representative 1D Vs profile beneath an array. First, we extracted our array’s average phase velocity dispersion based on the relationship between NCF’s spectra and the Bessel function. Then, we invert for the 1D depth profile of Vs using a transdimensional Bayesian inversion to allow for exploring a number of layers in parameterizations. We successfully generate a 1D Vs profile up to 5 km depth reflecting the regional stratigraphy of the Jakarta Basin. In general, a sedimentary basin fill covers the area reaching a depth of 650 m. We suggest that this simple routine can be undertaken for other ambient noise cross-correlation cases; such a 1D depth profile would be beneficial to be used as a reference model.

Monitoring of Groundwater in a Limestone Island Aquifer Using Ambient Seismic Noise

The limestone islands of Malta face high levels of water stress due to low rainfall over a small land area and a high population density. We investigate an innovative, cost-effective approach to groundwater monitoring in an island environment by computing auto- and cross-correlations of ambient seismic noise recorded on short-period and broadband seismic stations. While borehole readings give accurate site-specific water level data of the groundwater across the islands, this technique provides a more regional approach to quantitative groundwater monitoring. We perform the moving window cross-spectral method to determine temporal changes in seismic velocity (δv/v). Comparison of the δv/v with groundwater levels from boreholes and precipitation shows comparable patterns. We find that the variations of the δv/v from auto-correlations are more pronounced than the cross-correlation, and that short-period seismic stations are also sensitive. The δv/v signal deteriorates at longer interstation distances, presumably because paths traverse complex geology. We conclude that changes in the groundwater level found beneath very small islands, even as small as 3 km2, can be detected seismically. Low-cost, easy-to-deploy seismic stations can thus act as an additional tool for groundwater monitoring, especially in places with limited natural water reservoirs, like rivers and lakes, and infrastructure.

A look at the blind Kumamoto experiment: combining active and passive seismic observations to avoid Rayleigh-wave mode misidentification

We present our pathway through participation in the blind Kumamoto exercise, particularly the Step 1 of site characterization. The combination of passive and active seismic imaging techniques is used to image the velocity profile beneath the KUMA site. The estimation of the broadband Rayleigh wave dispersion curve is based on cross-correlations of ambient seismic noise and analysis of active seismic shots. We calculate correlations from the entire time series (only vertical components) of each seismic array after classical pre-processing of ambient noise data. Then, a passive seismic section is constructed using all available stations pairs and stacking the cross-correlation traces with similar interstation distances. The obtained passive seismic section is analyzed using a high-resolution Radon transform to obtain the dispersion image of Rayleigh waves traveling through the KUM-LL, KUM-M and KUM-SM arrays. Then, the information is merged and interpolated to obtain the final broadband dispersion curve. In addition, active source seismic data are used with the high-resolution Radon technique to constrain the model at shallow depths (< 30 m). Then, a broadband dispersion image is constructed with significant energy from 0.9 Hz to 45 Hz. The final dispersion curve is inverted using the non-linear neighborhood algorithm. Using just the fundamental mode Rayleigh wave, a first model with normal velocity variation in depth is obtained that corresponds well with the preferred model provided by the organizing committee. The addition of a mHVSR curve in a joint inversion better constrains the deeper part of the model (> 1 km). After comparison of the submitted dispersion curve to the theoretical dispersion curve for the preferred model (Step 4 of the blind test), the authors note that there was a clear misinterpretation in the fundamental mode of their submitted results, especially at frequencies higher than 5 Hz. Using both fundamental (only visible in the passive data set) and first overtones of Rayleigh waves (only visible in the active seismic data set) a refined velocity model could have been inferred, but we decided to keep our first submitted result. This detailed interpretation should be further studied as dispersion images from forward and backward hammer shots are quite different, which may indicate strong variations in the geometry and/or shear-wave velocities of the first meters of the subsurface.Graphical

Pronounced Seismic Anisotropy in Kanto Sedimentary Basin: A Case Study of Using Dense Arrays, Ambient Noise Seismology, and Multi‐Modal Surface‐Wave Imaging

AbstractMetropolitan Tokyo is subject to significant seismic hazards because it is located near a triple junction of tectonic plates and because it sits atop the soft and thick sediments of the Kanto sedimentary Basin. Numerical simulations of earthquake ground motions rely on accurate velocity models of the basin elastic and anelastic structure, which remains to be improved. Here, we leverage the density of permanent stations of the Metropolitan Seismic Observation network seismic network to construct a high‐resolution radially anisotropic (VSV ≠ VSH) shear wave velocity model of the Kanto basin. We construct surface waves using ambient seismic noise cross correlations. In sedimentary structures, it is common for several surface‐wave modes to arise and to couple in time, so we use local sub‐arrays to extract the phase velocity of the fundamental mode and first overtone of Rayleigh and Love waves at short periods (1–7 s). We find that a strong and negative shear‐wave anisotropy (−5%) is confined to the upper 300 m depth range, and a strong and positive anisotropy (+5%) at greater depths. We interpret them as a result of the vertical cracks from repeated earthquake damage and sediment stratigraphy in the Kanto Basin. Because anisotropy models are not routinely used in physics‐based ground motion prediction, our study motivates the consideration of seismic anisotropy in sedimentary basins for the ground motion of future earthquakes.

Upper crustal structure at the KTB drilling site from ambient noise tomography

Summary In this study, we show results from ambient noise tomography around the KTB (Kontinentales Tiefbohrprogramm der Bundesrepublik Deutschland), a continental deep drilling site located at the western edge of the Bohemian Massif, within the Variscan belt of Europe. At the KTB site, crustal rocks have been drilled down to 9 km depth. Before the drilling activity started, several active seismic surveys had been performed to explore its surroundings during the 1980s and early 1990s, in the frame of an extensive exploration of the area aimed at unravelling the characteristics of the continental lower crust that is exposed at surface in this location. Despite the exploration campaigns held at and around the KTB drilling site, there are important targets that are worth further investigation; these are related in particular to the obduction of lower crustal units to the surface, and to the mechanism of orogenic processes in general. Here we present a new 3-D shear wave velocity model of the area from cross-correlations of ambient seismic noise. The model is obtained by a unique data set composed of 2 yr of continuous data recorded at nine 3-component temporary stations (installed from July 2012 to July 2014) located on top and around the drilling site, and together with the data from 19 permanent stations throughout the region. This paper is focusing on the upper crustal layers, and we show velocity variations at short scales that correlate well with known geological structures in the region of the KTB site, at the surface and at depth. These are used to discuss features that are less well-resolved at present.

Application of passive seismic interferometry for mapping mining waste storage facilities: A case study of Pyhäsalmi mine in Finland

Obtaining knowledge about the structural, geotechnical and hydrogeological conditions of mining waste storage facilities (e.g., tailing storage facilities, TSF) is an important task for mining waste management. From the existing applied geophysics techniques, high-resolution controlled source seismic methods are the most appropriate due to their superior spatial and depth resolution. However, the TSF areas are not often accessible for installation of seismic instruments and application of controlled source. Moreover, TSF areas in active mine sites are characterised by high-level of seismic and acoustic noise, produced by mining operations and other human activities at mine sites. In this study, we show that these problems can be addressed by utilizing passive seismic interferometry, in which cross-correlation of ambient seismic noise is used to obtain the Empirical Green's function (EGF's) of the studied medium. We used this method to evaluate seismic velocities in the TSF and in the near-surface bedrock at the site of the Pyhäsalmi underground mine in Finland. We used the ambient seismic noise recorded in two seismic experiments in the area. In the first experiment, the data were acquired in 2013 along a line 10 km long crossing the area of the underground mine. The second experiment was carried out in the TSF area in 2019. We obtained S-wave velocity models of both bedrock and the TSF by applying multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW) to surface wave parts of Empirical Green's Functions (EGFs). The analysis of autocorrelation functions of passive seismic data recorded on the TSF surface allowed to us retrieve reflected arrivals from the boundaries inside the TSF. At the same time, we used amplitudes of surface wave parts of EGF's to obtain information about attenuation of surface waves in TSF. Our results show that passive seismic interferometry and interpretation of passive seismic data by different techniques can be a useful tool for inspection of TSF of active mines

Shear Velocity from Seismic Ambient Noise to Determine Crustal Structure and Re-Fitting Rock Physics Modeling in Dhafriyah and Kumaite Oil Fields

The current study aims to estimate the cortical structure of this region in Dhafriyah and Kumaite Oilfield. The cross-correlation of ambient seismic noise was applied in Anbar, Karbala, and Amarah to estimate a detailed velocity model for the sedimentary cover using data from three broadband seismic stations. Rayleigh wave dispersion curves were applied to obtain an accurate velocity model of the sedimentary cover. The results show that the crustal structure in the study area has three distinct discontinuities; the first is the discontinuity within the sedimentary cover column with a thickness around 4km (Vs 2.44km/s); the second is the basement rocks with a depth of 12km (Vs 3.17km/s), and the third is the Moho discontinuity with a depth of 46km (Vs 3.87km/s). Thus, the sedimentary thickness in the study area is around 12 km and the continental crust is around 34km. The first one, is done with using final out-puts of the velocity model of ANT (Vp, Vs, RHOB) to refitting rock physics modeling. The results show a good match with seismic cubes results may be used for prospect evaluation across different fields Dhafriyah and Kumaite, reservoir characterization, and formation evaluation.

Laterally constrained surface wave inversion

SUMMARYIn the last 15 yr, the use of surface waves retrieved from the cross-correlation of ambient seismic noise has significantly increased its applications to determine or monitor changes in the elastic properties of the Earth's interior. We designed a methodology for laterally constrained surface wave inversion based on a two-stage technique to estimate the 3-D distribution of the S-wave velocity (Vs). The first stage inverts traveltimes to estimate group or phase velocity dispersion maps and their inverse covariance matrix for different periods. The inverse covariance matrix is constructed explicitly using the ray tracing information. The inverse covariance matrix adds the lateral sensitivity of the maps to the structure, whereas the period-dependency provides sensitivity to the structure at depth. The second stage applies a nonlinear conjugate gradient scheme to estimate the 3-D distribution of S-wave velocity using the ensemble of velocity dispersion maps and their estimated inverse covariance matrix. We validate the methodology using a synthetic model. The results show an improved estimation of subsurface S-wave velocity structures compared to conventional point-wise inversion.

The Drop of Relative Velocity Variation and Coherence Values Prior to Sinabung 2013 Eruptions

DOI: 10.17014/ijog.8.1.109-117The cross-correlations of ambient seismic noise at Sinabung Volcano were analyzed from February 2013 to February 2014. Many eruptions occurred during these periods, started on 15 September 2013. Looking at the variations in the coda of the correlations, two types of measurements can be distinguished associated to two types of changes: relative velocity variation and waveform decoherence. The drop of relative velocity variations and waveform decoherence were observed for each station pair of Sinabung one to two months before the first eruption. These changes in accordance to the deformation of the Sinabung edifice were estimated from geodetic measurements, since an analysis of baseline change between GPS stations indicated an inflation of the volcanic edifice prior to September 2013 eruption. The monitoring of relative velocity variations and decoherence provides insights into the ongoing processes in the volcanic edifice to assist in determining the level of volcanic activity.

Crustal structures beneath the Eastern and Southern Alps from ambient noise tomography

Abstract. We study the crustal structure under the Eastern and Southern Alps using ambient noise tomography. We use cross-correlations of ambient seismic noise between pairs of 71 permanent stations and 19 stations of the Eastern Alpine Seismic Investigation (EASI) profile to derive new 3D shear velocity models for the crust. Continuous records from 2014 and 2015 are cross-correlated to estimate Green's functions of Rayleigh and Love waves propagating between the station pairs. Group velocities extracted from the cross-correlations are inverted to obtain isotropic 3D Rayleigh- and Love-wave shear-wave velocity models. Our models image several velocity anomalies and contrasts and reveal details of the crustal structure. Velocity variations at short periods correlate very closely with the lithologies of tectonic units at the surface and projected to depth. Low-velocity zones, associated with the Po and Molasse sedimentary basins, are imaged well to the south and north of the Alps, respectively. We find large high-velocity zones associated with the crystalline basement that forms the core of the Tauern Window. Small-scale velocity anomalies are also aligned with geological units of the Austroalpine nappes. Clear velocity contrasts in the Tauern Window along vertical cross sections of the velocity model show the depth extent of the tectonic units and their bounding faults. A mid-crustal velocity contrast is interpreted as a manifestation of intracrustal decoupling in the Eastern Alps that accommodated eastward escape of the Alcapa block.

Systematic recovery of instrumental timing and phase errors using interferometric surface-waves retrieved from large-N seismic arrays

SUMMARYInstrumental timing and phase errors are a notorious problem in seismic data acquisition and processing. These can be frequency independent, for example due to clock drift, but may also be frequency dependent, for example due to imperfectly known instrument responses. A technique is presented that allows both types of errors to be recovered in a systematic fashion. The methodology relies on the time-symmetry usually inherent in time-averaged cross-correlations of ambient seismic noise: the difference between the arrival time of the direct surface-wave at positive time and the arrival time of the direct surface-wave at negative time is quantified. Doing this for all eligible receiver–receiver pairs of a large-N seismic array, including one or more receivers devoid of instrumental timing errors, the instrumental timing errors of all incorrectly timed receivers can be determined uniquely. Most notably, this is accomplished by means of a weighted least-squares inversion. The weights are based on the receiver–receiver distances and decrease the adverse effect of inhomogeneities in the noise illumination pattern on the recovered instrumental timing errors. Inversion results are furthermore optimized by limiting the inversion to receiver couples that (i) exceed a specific receiver–receiver distance threshold and (ii) whose time-averaged cross-correlations exceed a specific signal-to-noise ratio threshold. Potential frequency dependence of the timing errors is incorporated by means of an iterative, frequency-dependent approach. The proposed methodology is validated using synthetic recordings of ambient seismic surface-wave noise due to an arbitrary non-uniform illumination pattern. The methodology is successfully applied to time-averaged cross-correlations of field recordings of ambient seismic noise on and around the Reykjanes peninsula, SW Iceland.

Using multicomponent ambient seismic noise cross-correlations to identify higher mode Rayleigh waves and improve dispersion measurements

SUMMARYAmbient seismic noise cross-correlation with three-component sensors yields a nine-component empirical Green's tensor, in which four components of the radial–vertical plane contain Rayleigh waves. We exploit the retrograde elliptical nature of particle motion of the fundamental mode Rayleigh wave to correct the phase of the four radial–vertical components and stack them to obtain an average fundamental mode Rayleigh-wave time-series. This technique can suppress incoherent noise and wave packets that do not follow the targeted elliptical particle motion. The same technique can be used to isolate the first higher mode Rayleigh wave that follows prograde elliptical particle motion. We first demonstrate the effectiveness of the method on synthetic waveforms and then apply it on noise cross-correlations computed in Central California. Using this method, we isolate 1st higher mode Rayleigh waves on noise cross-correlations in the Great Valley, California, which provides new phase velocity constraints for estimating velocity structure in the sedimentary basin. We also obtain improved estimates of fundamental mode Rayleigh-wave dispersion for surface-wave tomography. The waveforms stacked assuming retrograde particle motion return at least ∼20 per cent more group velocity dispersion measurements satisfying a minimum signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) criterion than the individual components for periods ∼4–18 s. For equivalent group velocity measurements, SNR for the stacked estimate of the fundamental mode Rayleigh wave is on average 40 per cent greater than that measured on the individual components at periods less than 10 s. The technique also provides an easy way to detect large errors in sensor orientation.

Evaluating Uncertainties of Phase Velocity Measurements from Cross-Correlations of Ambient Seismic Noise

Abstract Ambient-noise tomography (ANT) has become a well-established method to image the crust and uppermost mantle structures in the past 15 yr. Having a good estimate of uncertainties of phase velocity dispersion measurements in ANT is critical as they can guide the level of data fitting in tomography. However, to date, there are still no systemic studies to evaluate these uncertainties. In this study, we obtain cross correlations with different stacking durations from 17 yr of ambient-noise data recorded at 120 stations in the United States. We analyze the variations of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and phase velocities of cross correlations. We find that the uncertainties of phase velocities are affected by SNRs, interstation distances, and stacking durations. However, none of those three variables can be solely used as a proxy to estimate the uncertainties of phase velocity measurements. Based on our analysis, we graphically present empirical relations of uncertainties of phase velocity measurements as a function of SNR, interstation distance, and stacking duration. These relations can be employed as a guide to estimate phase velocity uncertainties in applications of ANT, assisting in evaluating the reliability of resulting models from ANT.

Passive monitoring of a sea dike during a tidal cycle using sea waves as a seismic noise source

SUMMARYOver the past decade, ambient seismic noise has been used successfully to monitor various geological objects with high accuracy. Recently, it has been shown that surface seismic waves propagating within a sea dike body can be retrieved from the cross-correlation of ambient seismic noise generated by sea waves. We use sea wave impacts to monitor the response of a sea dike during a tidal cycle using empirical Green’s functions. These are obtained either by cross-correlation or deconvolution, from signals recorded by sensors installed linearly on the crest of a dike. Our analysis is based on delay and spectral amplitude measurements performed on reconstructed surface waves propagating along the array. We show that localized variations of velocity and attenuation are correlated with changes in water level as a probable consequence of water infiltration inside the structure. Sea dike monitoring is of critical importance for safety and economic reasons, as internal erosion is generally only detected at late stages by visual observations. The method proposed here may provide a solution for detecting structural weaknesses, monitoring progressive internal erosion and delineating areas of interest for further geotechnical studies, in view to understand the erosion mechanisms involved.

The Plumbing System Feeding the Lusi Eruption Revealed by Ambient Noise Tomography

AbstractLusi is a sediment‐hosted hydrothermal system featuring clastic‐dominated geyser‐like eruption behavior in East Java, Indonesia. We use 10 months of ambient seismic noise cross correlations from 30 temporary seismic stations to obtain a 3‐D model of shear wave velocity anomalies beneath Lusi, the neighboring Arjuno‐Welirang volcanic complex, and the Watukosek fault system connecting the two. Our work reveals a hydrothermal plume, rooted at a minimum 6 km depth that reaches the surface at the Lusi site. Furthermore, the inversion shows that this vertical anomaly is connected to the adjacent volcanic complex through a narrow (~3 km wide) low velocity corridor slicing the survey area at a depth of ~4–6 km. The NE‐SW direction of this elongated zone matches the strike of the Watukosek fault system. Distinct magmatic chambers are also inferred below the active volcanoes. The large‐scale tomography features an exceptional example of a subsurface connection between a volcanic complex and a solitary erupting hydrothermal system hosted in a hydrocarbon‐rich back‐arc sedimentary basin. These results are consistent with a scenario where deep‐seated fluids (e.g., magmas and released hydrothermal fluids) flow along a region of enhanced transmissivity (i.e., the Watukosek fault system damage zone) from the volcanic arc toward the back arc basin where Lusi resides. The triggered metamorphic reactions occurring at depth in the organic‐rich sediments generated significant overpressure and fluid upwelling that is today released at the spectacular Lusi eruption site.

Structure of the Suasselkä postglacial fault in northern Finland obtained by analysis of local events and ambient seismic noise

Abstract. Understanding the inner structure of seismogenic faults and their ability to reactivate is particularly important in investigating the continental intraplate seismicity regime. In our study we address this problem using analysis of local seismic events and ambient seismic noise recorded by the temporary DAFNE array in the northern Fennoscandian Shield. The main purpose of the DAFNE/FINLAND passive seismic array experiment was to characterize the present-day seismicity of the Suasselkä postglacial fault (SPGF), which was proposed as one potential target for the DAFNE (Drilling Active Faults in Northern Europe) project. The DAFNE/FINLAND array comprised an area of about 20 to 100 km and consisted of eight short-period and four broadband three-component autonomous seismic stations installed in the close vicinity of the fault area. The array recorded continuous seismic data during September 2011–May 2013. Recordings of the array have being analysed in order to identify and locate natural earthquakes from the fault area and to discriminate them from the blasts in the Kittilä gold mine. As a result, we found a number of natural seismic events originating from the fault area, which proves that the fault is still seismically active. In order to study the inner structure of the SPGF we use cross-correlation of ambient seismic noise recorded by the array. Analysis of azimuthal distribution of noise sources demonstrated that during the time interval under consideration the distribution of noise sources is close to the uniform one. The continuous data were processed in several steps including single-station data analysis, instrument response removal and time-domain stacking. The data were used to estimate empirical Green's functions between pairs of stations in the frequency band of 0.1–1 Hz and to calculate corresponding surface wave dispersion curves. The S-wave velocity models were obtained as a result of dispersion curve inversion. The results suggest that the area of the SPGF corresponds to a narrow region of low S-wave velocities surrounded by rocks with high S-wave velocities. We interpret this low-velocity region as a non-healed mechanically weak fault damage zone (FDZ) formed due to the last major earthquake that occurred after the last glaciation.

Frequency domain analysis of errors in cross-correlations of ambient seismic noise

Frequency domain analysis of errors in cross-correlations of ambient seismic noise

Deep characterization of the Santiago Basin using HVSR and cross-correlation of ambient seismic noise

Continuously recorded seismic ambient noise is used to investigate the intermediate and deep structure of the Santiago Basin for seismic site-response evaluation. Single-station H/V spectral ratios (HVSR) were used as a proxy to identify zones with high stiffness soils and low impedance contrast with the underlying bedrock, as a complement of available surface geology information. Frequency-domain cross-correlation of the vertical components of ambient noise were calculated and used to estimate phase velocity dispersion curves associated to station pairs over different soil deposits. In addition, noise correlation functions (NCFs) calculated from time-domain cross-correlation of the vertical seismic noise records were used to estimate group velocity dispersion curves and to verify results from the spectral method. Data processing from both methods resolves a frequency band between 0.1 and 8.0Hz, a critical band for civil infrastructure that is difficult to determine with traditional local-scale passive surface wave methods. Station pairs with high signal correlation over stiff soils in the center, south, and east part of the basin, mainly associated to flat HVSR response, yielded robust phase velocity dispersion curves that vary approximately from 3.5km/s at 0.1Hz to 1km/s at 4Hz. Shear wave velocity profiles inverted from the dispersion curves show high average shear wave velocities that also have a pronounced increase rate with depth and a lack of clear soil-bedrock interface at depths predicted by available gravimetric data.

On the estimation of attenuation from the ambient seismic field: inferences from distributions of isotropic point scatterers

S U M M A R Y Cross-correlation of ambient seismic noise recorded by two seismic stations may result in an estimate of the Green’s function between those two receivers. Several authors have recently attempted to measure attenuation based on these interferometric, receiver–receiver surface waves. By now, however, it is well established that the loss of coherence of the crosscorrelation as a function of space depends strongly on the excitation of the medium. In fact, in a homogeneous dissipative medium, uniform excitation is required to correctly recover attenuation. Applied to fundamental-mode ambient seismic surface waves, this implies that the cross-correlation will decay at the local attenuation rate only if noise sources are distributed uniformly on the Earth’s surface. In this study we show that this constraint can be relaxed in case the observed loss of coherence is due to multiple scattering instead of dissipation of energy. We describe the scattering medium as an effective medium whose phase velocity and rate of attenuation are a function of the scatterer density and the average strength of the scatterers. We find that the decay of the cross-correlation in the effective medium coincides with the local attenuation of the effective medium in case the scattering medium is illuminated uniformly from all angles. Consequently, uniform excitation is not a necessary condition for the correct retrieval of scattering attenuation. We exemplify the implications of this finding for studies using the spectrally whitened cross-correlation to infer subsurface attenuation.