Stress Inversion of Focal Mechanism Data Using a Bayesian Approach: A Novel Formulation of the Right Trihedra Method

We propose a Bayesian approach for the determination of the stress field from focal mechanism datasets. This method is a revision of the right trihedra method (RTM), used for both fault striation and focal mechanism data. The new probabilistic formulation of the RTM method (BRTM) allows a quantitative estimation of the confidence regions for the principal stress axes. Using an appropriate graphical representation, the method is able to provide simultaneous information about the stress field and its reliability.