Simulation of seismograms in a 2-D viscoelastic Earth by pseudospectral methods

Abstract

Using an improved global pseudospectral modeling algorithm we synthesize seismograms generated by oceanic and continental earthquakes. Attention is given to attenuation, to explicit modeling of boundary conditions at the ocean-bottom interface, simulation of the Rayleigh window and interface-wave propagation. The algorithm is based on Fourier and Chebyshev differential operators and a domain-decomposition technique - one grid for the fluid and another grid for the solid. Wave propagation in the oceanic and continent crusts and mantle is modeled by using a viscoelastic stress-strain relation based on memory variables.
The main physical phenomena associated with an ocean-crust system are modeled, including Scholte waves, leaking Rayleigh waves, dispersive modes, and the Rayleigh-window phenomenon due to a minimum in the reflection coefficient of the ocean bottom, which has not been simulated with direct methods. In particular, we model Rayleigh modes (mainly the M ₁₁ mode), and coupled Rayleigh-Scholte waves, for which the dispersion relation is solved in simple cases. Also, we model the effects of random inhomogeneities in the crust and mantle by using a von Kármán autocovariance probability function, which simulates scattering-Q-effects.
The 2-D modeling code allows general material variability, and a complete and accurate characterization of the seismic response of oceanic and continental earthquakes. A synthetic seismogram for an earthquake in the South Atlantic region is provided.