Method for recognizing repeated pulse sequences in a seismogram

A seismogram may be treated as the sum of a primary wave train, a secondary wave train, and noise. Assuming the secondary has the same wave form as the primary and arrives at time Δt behind it with a relative strength R, a deconvolved seismogram which is an estimate of the primary seismogram can be found for every Δt. It is postulated that at Δt's close to the values of real secondaries, especially pP, the deconvolved seismogram will be simplified. A test based on the decrease in energy represented by the deconvolved seismogram is proposed with empirical justification by which such times can be determined. This method of recognizing secondaries is tested on 14 seismograms of the May 10, 1963, Ecuador earthquake and on 14 nuclear-blast seismograms. Although it picks out secondaries, it finds many other pulses besides pP; however, it does not always find pP.