Propagation of Surface Waves Across an Anisotropic Layer

Abstract

Propagation of elastic surface waves across a thin anisotropic interface layer between two vertically inhomogeneous isotropic quarter-spaces is considered. The relationship between the surface wave fields at the opposite sides of the layer is obtained in the form of matrix differential operators. Based on the Green’s function technique, an analytical method is developed to calculate reflection and transmission coefficients of Rayleigh waves at the layer. The reflection and transmission coefficients of Rayleigh waves at the interface layer are calculated as a function of the angle of incidence for various models of layers with hexagonal symmetry and results are discussed in some detail. Several isotropic layers of low or high velocity materials are also considered to examine the trade-off between anisotropy and inhomogeneity of the interface layer.