Forward Modeling of Rayleigh Surface Waves in Bi-directional Media

Rayleigh surface waves represent a significant seismic surface wave phenomenon in exploration geophysics, generated near free surfaces. Forward modeling of Rayleigh waves in bi-directional media is crucial for understanding wavefield propagation characteristics.

Efficient simulation algorithms typically employ numerical solutions of wave equations combined with absorbing boundary conditions to minimize artificial reflection interference. Absorbing boundary conditions introduce attenuation terms within boundary regions, gradually dissipating outward-propagating wavefield energy to achieve reflection-free boundaries. In code implementation, this often involves applying damping coefficients using cosine-tapered functions or Perfectly Matched Layer (PML) techniques at domain edges.

This forward modeling approach suits wavefield analysis in complex geological models, accurately capturing Rayleigh wave dispersion characteristics and propagation behavior across media interfaces. The simulation typically utilizes finite-difference or spectral-element methods with staggered-grid implementations for stability, incorporating viscoelastic attenuation models through memory variables in constitutive relations.