A study and evaluation of the tripartite seismic method of locating hurricanes*

Abstract

Abstract Tripartite records from the U. S. Navy stations at Bermuda, Cherry Point, and Miami were studied in detail for the 1950 hurricane season. Following a discussion of the theoretical error expected in this study, the results of single and average azimuth computation are given. Since the error between computed and observed storm azimuths exceeds the theoretical by a considerable amount, a study of the causes of the errors was undertaken. The difficulties are considered to result from instrumentations and procedure, lack of wave coherence at the three elements of the tripartite net, and refraction or multiple wave paths. A large range in velocities was observed, with indications that the lower values are the more reliable. Selection on a velocity basis gives somewhat better success than averaging all readings over the chosen interval of time. Suggestions for improvement of the instrumentation program are given.