AbstractOptimum strong‐motion array geometry for source inversion is quantitatively determined for each of three types of earthquake faults: strike—slip, dip‐slip and offshore subduction thrust. The estimation is done by using the source inversion method1,2previously developed and based on Wolberg's prediction analysis.3Only the far‐field S waves are taken into account in source inversion; we test only the ability to estimate seismic moments of subfault elements. A comparison of the optimum array geometries obtained in this study with the ones proposed on the basis of an empirical judgment at the 1978 International Workshop on Strong‐Motion Earthquake Instrument Arrays4shows that the Workshop geometries are not the best ones as far as source studies are concerned. The most preferable array involves two different kinds of stations regardless of the target fault type: stations close to the fault and aligned parallel to its strike, and stations surrounding the fault area with good azimuthal coverage. The former stations resolve the later stage of the rupturing process while the latter stations resolve the earl
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