Surface waves in isotropic,laterally inhomogeneous media

Summary Two different viewpoints of the phase velocities of the elastic surface waves in isotropic, laterally inhomogeneous media have led to inconsistent results. Arguments in terms of surface wave modes give the conclusion that the phase velocity is independent of the propagation direction, while the outcome of calculations based on a constructive interference of body waves in a surface layer is that the phase velocity is dependent on the propagation direction. Both arguments are summarized and an error in the calculations giving dependence is pointed out. The calculations and observations of surface wave amplitude changes in laterally inhomogeneous media are also summarized.