Interactive three-dimensional visualization of seismic array data

We present a set of tools developed for the analysis of three-component seismic array data. The first tool involves the application of three-dimensional volume visualization techniques for displaying the results of single-component, array, slowness analysis calculations. This technique has proven useful for analysis of both body waves and surface waves recorded by broadband arrays with a wide range of apertures. The second tool presented is a tool for animation and interactive analysis of three-dimensional particle motions observed by an array of three-component instruments. This tool displays a three-dimensional track of particle motions over a specified time window as recorded by three-component array stations. In order to compare the amplitudes, waveforms, polarization and time delays of signals on different array stations the records are aligned by the time of arrival of a plane wave with the azimuth and the apparent slowness determined from two-dimensional semblance analysis. This technique provides an improved understanding of the spatial variability of seismic wave fields that is not possible with conventional, two-dimensional graphics.