Revisiting the Ridgecrest Aftershock Catalog Using a Modified Source-Scanning Algorithm Applied to Multiple Dense Local Arrays

Abstract

Abstract We develop and implement a modified source-scanning algorithm (SSA) method to estimate the absolute event locations in the presence of velocity model errors, commonly found around fault zones. We split the array into subarrays of clustered receivers, for which relative travel-time errors are smaller. We apply a conventional SSA using both P and S waves to each subarray and combine the estimations using a probabilistic scheme to yield locations that are robust to velocity model errors. We also compute uncertainty estimations for the locations. We apply the method to 688 aftershocks recorded by 197 short-period geophones deployed as part of the Ridgecrest dense array. The dense receiver deployment allows for the recording of spatially coherent seismic arrivals. We compare 339 locations to a relocated catalog built using a sparser regional array and the same 1D velocity model. In general, locations are consistent despite the different methodology and recorded data. We qualitatively compare location estimations using the alignment of time-shifted seismograms, utilizing the spatial coherency of the dense subarrays. Our locations yield, in most cases, better alignment and are 2 km deeper on average. For events in the northern part of the study area, our locations are shifted to the north-east. We discuss various potential causes for the differences between estimations and investigate the possibility of velocity-driven biases in our locations. We also attempt to approximate the scale of lateral velocity heterogeneity near the fault in the northern part of the region. Although our location method is tailored to the Ridgecrest dense array, it demonstrates that using dense arrays may help mitigate the effect of velocity model errors on the absolute locations.