How well do we utilize global seismicity?

This article describes a method for quantifying the ability to record teleseismic phases at particular epicentral distance ranges, given the geographical history of global seismicity. With the use of geographical sampling maps, we identify the regions of the Earth that are best suited to record the greatest numbers of earthquakes at particular distances. Since seismic studies of the Earth's interior use teleseismic phases that have unique ranges, this information can be useful in the planning of future permanent and temporary deployments of seismometers. Deployment of ocean-bottom seismometers would be required for recording large numbers of earthquakes in the 40° to 80° range, corresponding to phases like ScS and PcP, and in the 140° to 170° range, important for investigations of the PKP branches. An examination of existing analog and digital networks shows that they do either better or worse than a hypothetical grid of evenly spaced seismometers, depending upon the distance range examined. The use of temporary deployments of seismometers, perhaps even in the oceans, may be the best way to significantly sample poorly examined regions of the Earth's interior.