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Wavelet Inversion for SliP (WISP): Open-source earthquake slip modeling software

Dara Elyse Goldberg·Heather Elizabeth Hunsinger·Pablo Koch·Kirstie Lafon Haynie·Diego Melgar·Sebastian Riquelme
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Abstract

Models of the spatiotemporal evolution of earthquake slip, termed finite-fault models, are a critical component of rapid earthquake and tsunami response, earthquake forecasting, seismic ground-motion estimates, and studies of earthquake kinematics. Here, we detail a newly released finite-fault modeling software, Wavelet Inversion for SliP (WISP), in use at the U.S. Geological Survey’s National Earthquake Information Center (NEIC) and available to the public. WISP version 1.1.0 allows inversion of teleseismic body and surface waves, as well as local strong-motion, static and dynamic Global Navigation Satellite System, and satellite imagery (e.g., Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar) observations on single or multiple planar fault segments. The software is used in NEIC rapid response of earthquakes M w ≥ 7, generally resulting in a published model within the first few hours after the event origin time. The rupture location and dimensions are then used as inputs to downstream products to estimate earthquake shaking, predict loss, and model the likelihood of secondary hazards, namely landslides and liquefaction. WISP is also used in research studies to evaluate the characteristics of complex ruptures including multifault ruptures and earthquake doublets, among others. The WISP version 1.1.0 software release is composed of Python-wrapped FORTRAN code to accomplish the inversion procedure. A simple command line interface facilitates ease of use even for those with only a cursory knowledge of Python scripting. WISP version 1.1.0 includes a Jupyter Notebook tutorial demonstrating use of the software for modeling the 2015 M w 8.3 Illapel, Chile, earthquake. In parallel with the tutorial, we demonstrate the typical usage of the WISP software using the M w 8.3 Illapel earthquake example here.

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Seismological Research LettersArticle
90° N90° S · 180° W ← longitude → 180° E
Source-reported bounding extent: -36.968704795768254° to -27.438162221295535° latitude; -73.2915060047295° to -70.94626168478015° longitude. This indicates report coverage, not an exact sampling location. View area on OpenStreetMap.

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Dara Elyse Goldberg, Heather Elizabeth Hunsinger, Pablo Koch, Kirstie Lafon Haynie, Diego Melgar, Sebastian Riquelme. 2026-02-23. Wavelet Inversion for SliP (WISP): Open-source earthquake slip modeling software. https://doi.org/10.1785/0220250055

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