Seismic spatial gradients and rotational motions generated by shallow local earthquakes will be studied both theoretically and by means of an analysis of real measured data. Measurements will be carried out at selected localities of special importance. Long-term measurements are planned in areas with almost continuous natural seismicity (seismic swarms in West Bohemia and tectonic earthquakes in the Gulf of Corinth). The main goal is to determine apparent phase velocities including their dispersive properties and to determine the sub-surface velocity gradients on the basis of rotational components of seismic waves within small epicentral distances where this issue has not been systematically studied yet. In both localities, six-component seismic sensors (Rotaphones) will be deployed and used together with seismic arrays, permanent or temporary, which will enable us to determine the rotational motions and spatial gradients by two independent methods. By combining those two approaches the frequency range will be broadened substantially.