A Method for Identifying Explosions Contaminating Earthquake Catalogs: Application to the Washington Regional Earthquake Catalog

Abstract

Abstract The Washington Regional Seismograph Network (WRSN) earthquake catalog shows more earthquakes in the day than at night, probably because some local explosions are misidentified as earthquakes. We have implemented a method to help discriminate likely local blasts from local earthquakes. Probable blasts are identified based on time of occurrence (year, month and hour), magnitude, location, and depth. We have defined thirteen areas in Washington and northern Oregon, with enhanced daytime activity probably due to blasts, and have developed specific time, magnitude, and depth criteria for each area to best identify probable blasts. Except in a few regions, most of the smallest, shallowest events occurring during the day in Washington and northern Oregon are probably blasts.