The Possibility of Detecting Geological Bodies without Velocity Contrast in the Field of Surface Waves

Abstract Using a mathematical model within the framework of the linear theory of elasticity, the problem—interesting from both theoretical and practical points of view—of surface wave irradiation of an elastic half-space containing a single buried body whose physical properties are different from those of the host medium material, but whose elastic moduli and density change in a consistent manner so that the velocity of both P- and S-waves do not differ from those in the host medium, is considered. It is shown that such buried heterogeneities, despite the lack of velocity contrast, can be detected and mapped both in plan view and at depth in the broadband field of Rayleigh surface waves based on variations in the spectral amplitude of the signal recorded at several points on the surface.