Observations on seismic waves reflected at the core boundary of the earth*

Waves reflected from the outer boundary of the core of the earth often record trace amplitudes that appear excessive. A comparison of the observed displacements of these phases and the direct body waves is presented. Observational data seem to confirm the idea that the displacement ratios of the longitudinal waves reflected at the core to the longitudinal direct waves is larger than the presently recognized theory indicates. A discussion is included of some possible causes for this difference, but reasonable changes in accepted assumptions fail to explain the entire discrepancy.