Systematic relocation of seismicity on Hawaii Island from 1992 to 2009 using waveform cross correlation and cluster analysis

The analysis and interpretation of seismicity from mantle depths to the surface play a key role in understanding how Hawaiian volcanoes work. We present results from a comprehensive and systematic re-analysis of waveforms from 130,902 seismic events recorded by the U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory permanent seismic network from January 1992 to March 2009. We compute high-precision relative relocations for 101,390 events (77% of all events considered) using waveform cross correlation and cluster analysis, resulting in a multiyear systematically processed catalog of seismicity for all of Hawaii Island. The 17 years of relocated seismicity exhibit a dramatic sharpening of earthquake clustering along faults, streaks, and magmatic features, permitting a more detailed understanding of fault geometries and volcanic and tectonic processes. Our relocation results are generally consistent with previous studies that have focused on more specific regions of Hawaii. The relocated catalog includes crustal seismicity at Kilauea and its rift zones, seismicity delineating crustal detachment faults separating volcanic pile and old oceanic crust on the flanks of Kilauea and Mauna Loa, events along inferred magma conduits, and events along inferred mantle fault zones. The relocated catalog is available for download in the supporting information.