Receiver function

The method of receiver functions is one of the common evaluation of seismology. In its original version, the mid-sixties Fourier spectra were used by P- waves to derive from the response function of the earth's crust below a single seismic station velocity structures. The method has however evolved considerably and is now also routinely used in larger station networks.

The method of receiver functions is based on the effect of the partial conversion of seismic wave types (conversion), such as occurs in seismic discontinuities, the energy of light incident on such an interface P- wave is converted to a portion in an S-wave (referred to as Ps wave). Since the propagation velocity is lower, these so-called converted seismic phases achieve delayed the station. From the time difference can be deduced with a suitable velocity model on the depth of the discontinuity. Besides the direct converted phase also occur multiple ( multiply reflected within a seismic shift, thereby possibly converted waves). These provide a hand over their lifetime difference additional information, on the other hand, however, also cover direct phases and act so annoying.

In the recent development, the method of S- receiver functions is gaining importance. This is based on the same principle, except that the reverse case of a S- wave, which is partially in the P-waves ( Sp- wave) is converted. Since it is a later phase of the wave spectrum in the S-wave, usually a much higher noise level occurs here. However, the S- receiver function method has the advantage that the to be tested arrive Sp -phase because of the higher P- wave velocity, before the generating the S-wave. The multiple phases, however, reach the station due to the multiple path of travel later, and thus do not disturb the direct converted phases.

Literature / Sources

• T. Lay & T.C. Wallace: Modern Global Seismology, Academic Press, San Diego, 1995, ISBN 978-0127328706
• X. Yuan: Teleseismic Receiver Function Study and Its Application in Tibet and the Central Andes, PhD thesis, 2000, Scientific Technical Report STR00/10, GFZ Potsdam

• Geophysics