The use of spherical coordinates in the interpretation of seismograms

Abstract

In this paper we describe the use of spherical coordinates and lower hemisphere, equal‐area projection to display and interpret seismograms. Information from three‐component seismometers displayed in spherical coordinates and on an equal‐area projection shows particle motion more clearly than do displays in Cartesian rectangular coordinates. In the spherical coordinate system characteristic patterns such as square waves and triangular waves simplify the identification of wave types on seismic records. The use of spherical coordinates is a simple method for increased comprehension of the particle motion, wave polarizations and phase onsets in a seismic record. Copyright © 1988, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved