Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
The exact wave-theory response for a radially heterogeneous sphere has been used to find approximate formulae for treating seismic body wave amplitudes. A simple approximate formula has been found which preserves the simplicity of ray theory computations and the accuracy of exact wave solutions for band-limited signals. The new formula reduces to asymptotic ray theory predictions for simple velocity structures, but describes the effects of caustics far more accurately. In addition, the predicted amplitudes are not sensitive to small discontinuities in the first or second derivative of the velocity. The implementation of this formula requires the construction of synthetic seismograms. Thus the interference properties of various arrivals can be studied directly.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Wiggins et al. (1974) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 10 related papers. Consider them for comparative context: