Theoretical and observed distance corrections for Rayleigh-wave magnitude

Examination of the distance correction factor used in the widely accepted formula for surface-wave magnitude reveals that this empirically derived linear formula fails to give an accurate approximation to the theoretical nonlinear amplitude-distance relation for epicentral distances less than 15°. For epicentral distances greater than 15°, the empirical formula contains an implied oceanic-type energy-dissipation coefficient. When the original Gutenberg theoretical surface-wave magnitude formula with an appropriate continental energy-dissipation coefficient is applied to explosion data from the Nevada Test Site, a consistent surface-wave magnitude is obtained at all distances. A systematic method of normalizing Rayleigh-wave magnitudes obtained over different types of propagation paths is suggested. This normalization might provide a means for better separating natural events and explosions in the mb—Ms plots.