The Use of Parallel Computing for the High-Resolution Determination of Earthquake Source Parameters

Abstract

Determination of the focal mechanism and source depth of an earthquake by the direct examination of their probable values on a grid in the parameter space also makes it possible to estimate their resolution. However, a detailed search is time consuming. As an example of a source that requires the use of a detailed grid, we consider a special case of a shallow earthquake whose one nodal plane is subhorizontal. Studying these events from the records of long-period surface waves requires a grid that has a high degree of detail for the angles of the focal mechanism. We discuss the application of the methods of parallel computing for speeding up the calculation of earthquake parameters and present the results of the application of this approach for studying the strongest aftershock of the earthquake in Tohoku.