Seismicity‐Scanning Based on Navigated Automatic Phase‐Picking.

We propose a new method, named Seismicity‐Scanning based on Navigated Automatic Phase‐picking (S‐SNAP), that is capable of delineating complex spatiotemporal distributions of seismicity. This novel algorithm takes a cocktail approach that combines source scanning, kurtosis‐based phasepicking, and the maximum intersection location technique into a single integrated workflow. This method is automated, detecting and locating earthquakes efficiently, comprehensively, and accurately. We apply S‐SNAP to a data set recorded by a dense local seismic array during a hydraulic fracturing operation to test this novel approach and to demonstrate its effectiveness in relation to existing methods. Overall, S‐SNAP found about 3.5 times as many high‐quality events as a template matching‐based catalogue. All events in the previous catalogue are identified with similar epicenters, depths, and magnitudes, while no false detections are found by visual inspection. Key Points: We take a cocktail approach combining merits of three different techniques to delineate complex spatiotemporal distribution of seismicityThis new method, named Seismicity‐Scanning based on Navigated Automatic Phase‐picking (S‐SNAP), is comprehensive, accurate, and automatedIn case study using dense array data, it located about 3 times more events than a template matching method without any false detections [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]