Distribution of Attenuation Factor Beneath the Japanese Islands

In this research, we tried to estimate the distribution of attenuation factor of seismic wave, which is closely related to the above-mentioned inelastic parameters. Here the velocity records of events from the Freesia network and the J-array network were used. The events were selected based on the following criteria: (a) events with JMA magnitudes from 3.8 to 5.0 and hypocentral distance from 20km to 200km, (b) events with JMA magnitudes from 5.1 to 6.8 and hypocentral distance from 200km to 10_?, (c) Depth of all events is greater than 30km with S/N ratio greater than 2. After correcting the instrument response, P-wave spectra were estimated. Following Boatwright (1991), the observed spectra were modeled by the theoretical spectra by assuming the following relation; Aij(f) = Si(f) Pij(f) Cj(f). Brune's model (1970) was assumed for the source model. Aij(f), Si(f), Pij(f), and Cj(f) are defined as observed spectrum, source spectrum, propagation effect, and site effect, respectively. Frequency dependence of attenuation factor was not assumed here. The global standard velocity model (AK135) is used for ray tracing. Ellipticity corrections and station elevation corrections are also done. The block sizes are 50km by 50km laterally and increase vertically. As the results of analysis, the attenuation structure beneath Japanese Islands up to the depth of 180km was reconstructed with relatively good resolution. The low Q distribution is clearly seen in central Hokkaido, western Hokkaido, Tohoku region, Hida region, Izu region, and southern Kyushu. The relatively sharp decrease in Q associated with asthenosphere can be seen below the depth of 70km.