Analysis and comparison of Fourier and Wavelet transforms: application to the study of seismic source parameters of the 2001 Arequipa Earthquake

This study focuses on the characterization of the June 23, 2001, Arequipa earthquake by applying the Fourier Transform (FFT) and Wavelet Transform (WT) together to estimate source parameters and radiated energy, aiming to improve seismic risk management in southern Peru. FFT results showed seismic moments ranging from 3.55×10¹⁶ to 1.41×10¹⁸ N·m, stress drops between 0.46 and 3.99 MPa, and fracture radii from 0.61 to 1.94 km. WT enabled the estimation of dominant frequencies between 0.18–0.24 Hz, radiated energy ranging from 24.52 to 32.19 J, and rupture durations from 40.02 to 105.98 s. The combined use of FFT and WT allowed for a more detailed characterization of the 2001 Arequipa earthquake. FFT proved effective for spectral analysis of source parameters, while WT provided accurate estimates of radiated energy and rupture duration—key factors for enhancing seismic risk assessment in the region.