Author/Authors :
EL FELLAH, Younes Mohammed V University of Rabat - Faculty of Science, Scientific Institute - Earth Sciences Department, Applied Physics Department, Morocco , KHAIRY ABD EL-AAL, Abd El-Aziz National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics - Seismology Department, Egypt , EL MOUDNIB, Lahcen Mohammed V University of Rabat - Faculty of Science, Scientific Institute - Earth Sciences Department, Applied Physics Department, Morocco , HARNAFI, Mimoun Mohammed V University of Rabat - Scientific Institute - Earth Sciences Department, Morocco , EL OUAI, Driss Mohammed V University of Rabat - Scientific Institute - Earth Sciences Department, Morocco , HIMMI, Mohamed Majid Mohammed V University of Morocco - Faculty of Science - Applied Physics Department, Morocco , CHOURAK, Mimoun University Mohammed I - Pluridisciplinary Faculty - Earth Sciences Department, Morocco , VILLASEÑOR, Antonio Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) - Jaume Almera Institute - Earth Sciences Department, Spain , GALLART, Josep Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) - Jaume Almera Institute - Earth Sciences Department, Spain , THOMAS, Christine University of Münster - Institut für Geophysik - Geophysics Department, Germany
Abstract :
We present, in this paper, the results of an analysis of the variations in ambient seismic noise levels from data collected for the first time in Morocco. For this purpose, 23 broadband seismic stations were deployed in different structural domains covering Rif Mountains, Middle and High Atlas and parts of the Anti-Atlas. We calculated power spectral densities (PSD) of background noise for each ground motion component recorded at different sites, and then compared the results with the high-noise and low-noise models of Peterson (1993). Time intervals (of day and night) were indiscriminately considered for computation of noise level regardless of the selected earthquakes. Furthermore, we have extended the discussion about noise to different frequency bands of interest. We found several variabilities in the PSD levels at all stations. The significant variability was observed at long periods in most stations. The results of this study could be used to evaluate future emplacements of new seismic stations and therefore can help to develop new seismic noise models in North Africa.
NaturalLanguageKeyword :
Ambient seismic noise , power spectral density , Peterson models , seismic arrays , Morocco
