Regional seismograms are dominated by the phases Pn, Pg, Sn, and Lg. More often Sn and Lg are used to infer the attenuation structure of the lithosphere. The seismic phase Sn is a high-frequency shear-wave (typically from 1 to 4 Hz and occasionally higher) that travels in the lithospheric mantle above the negative velocity gradient which usually marks the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary. Sn has been reported out to distances of 35 (e. g., MOLNAR and OLIVER, 1969; HUESTIS et aI., 1973). Sn arrives as a high-frequency wave train lasting tens of seconds and up to 1 to 2 minutes. Sn velocities...

Variations in seismic Q are sensitive to a much greater extent than are seismic velocity variations on factors such as temperature, fluid content, and the movement of solid state defects in the earth. For that reason an understanding of Q and its variation with position in the earth and with time should provide information in earth's tectonic evolution, as well as on aspects of its internal structure. Progress in understanding Q has suffered from difficulty in obtaining reliable amplitude data at global and temporary stations. Moreover, laboratory determinations of Q, until recently, were...