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Seismic detection of sonic booms
Joseph E Cates1, Bradford Sturtevant
1Graduate Aeronautical Laboratories, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena 91125, USA.
The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America
|February 12, 2002
Summary
Seismic networks detected ground motion from sonic booms, revealing larger ground exposure than predicted. This study analyzes supersonic overflights and investigates "mystery booms" using seismic data.
Area of Science:
- Geophysics
- Acoustics
- Atmospheric Science
Background:
- Sonic booms generate detectable ground motion.
- A dense seismic network in southern California provides extensive coverage.
- Previous predictions of sonic boom ground exposure may be underestimated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To map sonic boom carpets using seismic data.
- To analyze supersonic overflights and compare seismic observations with computational models.
- To infer the origin of unexplained
- mystery booms
- using seismic evidence.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a seismic network of over 200 sites across 50,000 sq km.
- Analyzing seismic data from three supersonic overflights in the western US.
- Comparing empirical seismic data with ray-tracing computations using atmospheric models.
Main Results:
- Sonic boom ground exposure in real atmospheric conditions is significantly larger than predicted by ray tracing alone.
- Seismic data successfully mapped primary and secondary sonic boom carpets.
- Observed ground motion correlated with supersonic aircraft events.
Conclusions:
- Real-world sonic boom ground exposure exceeds theoretical predictions.
- Seismic networks are effective tools for monitoring sonic boom phenomena.
- Seismic observations offer insights into the source of anomalous acoustic events like "mystery booms".