Visualizing wavefields with AdriaArray

Large seismic networks like AdriaArray consisting of more than 1000 stations enable new techniques for the visualization and analysis of seismic wave fields. With inter-station distances of less than 40 km, entire wavefields of regional and teleseismic events can be imaged and depicted as animations. In this study we use common data processing techniques applied to data of AdriaArray and neighbouring networks to showcase the propagation of body and surface waves in space and time. A normalization approach based on a low pass filtered envelope assures that both body waves of smaller amplitudes as well as surface waves with large amplitudes are equally distinguishable in the animations. Examples are given for the 7.5 Magnitude 2024 Noto and the 7.8 Magnitude 2023 Turkey earthquakes. Regional effects of wave front deflections, reflections and returning body and surface waves are easily identifiable when comparing with theoretical arrival times. The effect of the station density on the measurement of wavefields is discussed. We show that these animations are well suited to improve the understanding of seismic waves among both seismologists and the general public.