Two-dimensional sensitivity kernels for cross-correlation functions of background surface waves

Ambient noise tomography has now been applied at scales ranging from local to global. To discuss the theoretical background of the technique, a simple form of a two-dimensional (2-D) Born sensitivity kernel was developed at a finite frequency for a cross-correlation function (CCF) of background surface waves. The use of far field representations of a Green’s function and a CCF in a spherically symmetric Earth model, assuming a homogeneous source distribution, is an efficient approach to the calculation of phase sensitivity kernels. The forms of a phase sensitivity kernel for major and minor arc propagations are the same as those for phase-velocity measurements of earthquake data. This result indicates the validity of ambient noise tomography under the given assumptions; however, the kernels are not equivalent in the case of an inhomogeneous source distribution.