Work

Frequency Dependent Microseisms Sources: A Case Study in Oregon

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The origin of microseisms—whether from deep‐ocean sources or coastal reflections—has been debated for decades. In this study, we use Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) and Ocean Bottom Seismometer data collected offshore Oregon to investigate microseisms sources across a range of frequency bands. Our results reveal a clear frequency dependence: high‐frequency (0.35–1.5 Hz) microseisms primarily originates near the coastline due to wind ocean waves, with minimal contribution from the deep ocean. In short‐period double frequency (SPDF, 0.2–0.35 Hz) microseisms, the source regions extend farther offshore and are increasingly influenced by deep‐ocean sources. Long‐period double frequency (LPDF, 0.1–0.2 Hz) microseisms are predominantly generated in the deep ocean. Furthermore, we find that microseisms generated by coastal reflections do not propagate into the deep ocean.

Source: Geophysical Research Letters

DOI: 10.1029/2025gl118297

Authors: Han Xiao, Toshiro Tanimoto, Zack J. Spica, Frederik Tilmann

Institutions: University of California, Santa Barbara, GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences, University of Michigan, Freie Universität Berlin

Language: English

Topic: Seismic Waves and Analysis

Subfield: Geophysics

Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,190

OpenAlex ID: W4414950486

FWCI: 1.237

Cites: 64

Cited by: 2

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