Abstract
We systematically compare Fourier Amplitude Spectra of Fault Normal (FN)
and Fault Parallel (FP) seismograms at near-fault sites for 11
strike-slip earthquakes with magnitudes M≥6. For all events we find
large FN/FP ratios at low frequencies consistent with the S-wave
radiation patterns for strike-slip earthquakes near the faults. However,
the difference diminishes with increasing frequency and FN/FP is about 1
above a transition frequency. The results may reflect small-scale
isotropic source terms in the earthquake rupture zones that homogenize
the high-frequency radiation in different directions at near-fault
sites. The FN/FP ratios at low frequencies and transition frequencies
above which FN ~ FP vary among the 11 earthquakes, and
have no clear correlation with the moment magnitudes. The lack of
correlation may signify a characteristic rupture length scale (e.g.,
process zone size) controlling the isotropic radiation and/or wave
propagation and other effects that mask the source effects.