This is an advanced seismology course designed for students involved in seismological research. The equivalent of a 400-level course on earthquake seismology, familiarity with Fourier analysis, differential equations, and matrix methods, and some experience in computer programming (or MATLAB scripting) are prerequisites. This course will focus on a detailed study of methods for computing seismograms in vertically stratified media (plane layers, spheres & spherical shells). Topics include a review of simple methods for computing body-wave seismograms for teleseismic source & receiver-function analyses; the equations of motion in cylindrical coordinates including seismic moment-tensor sources in “elastic” (including attenuation), isotropic media; numerical integration of the equations for the complete seismic response including near & far-field and AVO effects. Time permitting, we will extend our analyses to wave propagation in anisotropic media.

• Seismic Wave Propagation in Stratified Media by B. L. N. Kennett
• Journal Articles on Seismic Wave Propagation in Isotropic & Anisotropic Media by Various Authors
• The MATLAB 5 Handbook* Darren Redfern & Colin Campbell

* Since the homework assignments will include use of MATLAB on the UNIX system, I recommend that you have access to a book on UNIX and on MATLAB or become proficient with the help systems. These tools will be essential for this course and later courses and research and the books are good investments if you intend to continue with quantitative science.

Grades will be calculated on the basis of homework assignments (60%) (computer-based and analytical) and a semester project and paper (30%) and class participation (attending class, preparing for class, asking questions, etc.) (10%).