A Comparison of Short-Period and Broadband Seismograph Systems in the Context of the Seismology of the Eastern United States

The study compares the capabilities of modern short-period seismograph systems with those using broadband sensors. The results indicate that dual-gain recording using 1-Hz seismometers will capture essentially all of the available information in the seismic wavefield generated by moderate magnitude shocks ( M 4.0–6.0) at regional distances, with dynamic range sufficient to record on-scale a magnitude 6.0 event at approximately 55 km. Short-period instrument operation in seismically active areas remains an effective means of collecting weak-motion data for basic seismological research relevant to public safety in the eastern United States.