Network identification capability evaluation (NICE) of regional networks

Abstract : The computer program NICE, for Network Identification Capability Evaluation, was written to assess the ability of a seismic network to discriminate earthquakes from explosions. In this report on the progress during the first phase of a two-year project, we describe enhancements to the program which allow assessment of regional networks and discriminants. The enhanced program, called XCNICE simulates the detection, location and identification of a suite of events using a Monte Carlo approach. This approach allows one to isolate the effects of source type, propagation path, and choice of discriminants on the discrimination process. In addition, discriminant performance and network thresholds of detection, location and identification are assessed. The program has the capability to compute signals from earthquakes, quarry blasts and both overburied and normally buried explosions. The models of regional phases include the effects of nonlinear processes in particular, spall.