Reflections from a randomly grooved interface: ultrasonic modelling and finite-diff erence calculation1

This study utilizes ultrasonic water tank modelling to examine the complexities which can result when seismic energy is diffracted by even a simple 3D interface structure. Ultrasonic laboratory modelling is carried out in our in-house water tank, using an aluminum block to simulate very simple ocean-bottom topography. The topography consists of parallel depressions which simulate valleys running parallel to a mid-ocean spreading ridge. This study shows that the phase and amplitude of primary ocean-bottom reflections can vary strongly with the azimuth of propagation. The trailing energy coda also varies dramatically as a function of propagation direction, showing the importance of developing a seismic model which includes the full 3D azimuthal distribution of interface structure.