The earthquake of February 3, 2015, near Sumy, Ukraine: Source parameters and focal mechanism

Abstract

The parameters of the earthquake that took place February 3, 2015, near the city of Sumy, Ukraine, were calculated from an analysis of records obtained by both Russian and Ukrainian seismic stations (Poltava, Skvira, Nikolaev, Dneropetrovsk, and Desna). The calculated hypocenter depth of 54 km was verified by several approaches: isolation of deep PP, SP phases from the records of remote stations and solution of the kinematic problem for the Poltava station. The focal mechanism as shear with a complex fault component was determined by the first arrivals of P-waves. The data on the azimuthal travel-time curve confirm the focal mechanism. We have calculated the earthquake parameters; they are as follows: length gap L₁ = 8.08 km, L₂ = 6.68 km, a destruction rate of C = 2 km/s. We have obtained the dynamic parameters of the event. The calculated fault length (L = 5.46 km) within the accuracy limits of the method coincides with the early result obtained by the azimuthal travel-time curve. On the basis of these results, we suggest that elastic energy release and formation of the dislocations in the earthquake source occurred on a smooth, prefractured fault (σ_r > 0). Association of the hypocenter with the tectonic node of the northern marginal fault of the Dnieper–Donets graben and northern branch of Kryvyi Rih–Kremenchuk suture confirm this. Here, we observe a considerable Moho depth, structural alteration, and high gradients of the temperature and magnetic and electric rock properties in the lower Earth’s crust and upper mantle. These circumstances are favorable for the earthquake occurring here.