Through the examination of local and regional seismic waveform data the crust and upper mantle of southern California are investigated.Using local and regional seismic phases such as Pn, Sn, PL, and surface waves, seismic wave velocities of interesting tectonic structures are determined.These structures include the southern Sierra Nevada, San Bernardino Mountains, and the Salton Trough / Imperial Valley.Detailed studies of how seismic waves propagate at local and regional distances are also undertaken.Knowledge of the seismic wave propagation through these tectonic provinces provides for a robust determination of their characteristics.Further, complex source and site-related propagation are included through an investigation of the Kursk submarine explosion and basin-related site amplification.