A new picking algorithm based on the variance piecewise constant models

Abstract In this paper, we propose a novel picking algorithm for the automatic P- and S-waves onset time determination. Our is based on variance piecewise constant models of earthquake waveforms. The effectiveness robustness our are tested both synthetic seismograms real data. We simulate seismic events with different magnitudes (between 2 5) recorded at epicentral distances 10 250 km). For application to data, analyse waveforms from sequence L’Aquila (Italy), in 2009. obtained results compared those by classic STA/LTA algorithm. Although two algorithms lead similar simulated scenarios, proposed greater flexibility automation capacity, as shown data analysis. Indeed, does not require testing optimization phases, resulting potentially very useful earthquakes routine analysis networks or regions whose characteristics unknown.