Direction estimation of vector-planewave fields

Direction estimation performance of a vector wavefield with a single 3-component sensor and with an array of sensors has been studied. By employing an eigenvector decomposition method to the 3-component sensor signal and a broadband wavenumber method to the array of 1- component sensor signals, performance is evaluated as a function of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Computer simulation demonstrates the important fact that both array and 3-component methods exhibit a threshold phenomena: a rapid deterioration of performance below a sharply defined SNR. Arrays, having greater redundancy in coverage, exhibit thresholds at lower SNRs than 3-component stations. When multiple sources are to be resolved, arrays are shown to the appropriate choice over 3-component stations.