We inverted frequency dependent phase and amplitude measurements from 1st orbit Rayleigh waves at global stations for the 1st and 2nd degree polynomial moments of the stress-glut rate tensor. The higher moments of the slip-rate distribution determine the fault plane and approximate rupture dimensions. The results show strong rupture propagation to the west with an average velocity of the instantaneous centroid of 3.6¿.1 km/s. The rupture had a characteristic length of 178¿46 km in the east-west direction and a characteristic duration of 48¿2 s. The results are consistent with unilateral rupture on the east-west fault plane of the focal mechanism and rule out significant rupture on the north-south nodal plane. ¿ 2000 American Geophysical Union