Near field phases can be observed on individual broadband seismograms
at teleseismic distances from great earthquakes. Even at distances of
20 degrees-30 degrees, such phases can have amplitudes of several tent
hs of a mm. While previous studies have identified near field phases i
n vertical component data, I show that such phases can be much more ea
sily observed using the transverse component. Although observed effect
s agree well with complete waveform calculations using point moment te
nsor sources, they do not satisfy some of the assumptions commonly mad
e in seismic data analysis. It is therefore suggested that care be tak
en in the analysis of very broadband seismograms which may contain the
se effects. Re cent W phase observations are shown to be a case in poi
nt.