Sometimes it is not easy to understand (or explain) how seismic waves propagate through Earth. Recently, a number of very nice graphic examples have been uploaded on vimeo.com. The videos show the basic concepts of a travelling seismic wave such as the propagation of waves from a central source (similar to the ripples in a pond after a stone has been dropped in). The other animations show more complex scenarios of wave propagation in higher dimensions, and with constrained boundary conditions. These simulations also highlight the difference between two different seismic waves, the P and S phases, and, also their conversions between one another.
You can see each animation by clicking on the links below. The author of the videos has put a brief explanation beneath each simulation on the respective pages.
- Calculating the ‘seismic ray path’
- Reflections of seismic waves
- Seismic waves between multiple sources and receivers
- Seismic wave propagation in 2D (P-SV waves)
- Ripples in a pond (SH seismic wave propagation)
- Wave propagation in 2D – simple radiation in a homogeneous medium
