On the limits of linear moment-tensor inversion of teleseismic body wave spectra

The limits of linear moment-tensor inversions from long-period teleseismic body waves are analysed in detail, using inverse methods. We focus our attention on single-station and few-stations methods. Information on the feasibility of full or deviatoric moment-tensor determinations prior to inversion are deduced from the system conditioning. The resolution and correlation of the momenttensor components are analysed using the resolution matrix. Conclusions on the importance and independence of the data are drawn from the information matrix. The single--station case and its implications are discussed in greater detail, as well as possible constraints on the inversion.