On detecting soft layers in the mantle with Rayleigh waves

Abstract

The feasibility of an experiment to detect soft or molten zones in the mantle using Rayleigh wave phase velocities is examined. It is found that when the anomalous zone has large lateral extent the phase velocity curves are so affected as to make it easily detectable. A discussion of dispersion curves and displacement with depth is presented. A pseudo-flexural mode of oscillation is found to be possible for the layers above a molten zone.