Characteristics of the non-geometric PS-converted wave in a fluid-solid configuration

Real data evidence for non-geometric P-S converted waves has been found recently. These non-geometric events are generated when the dominant wavelength exceeds the source height with respect to the water bottom. When the source height is increased, the amplitude of these converted waves decreases exponentially indicating their evanescent character in water. However, these waves showed to be propagating in the subsurface and thus able to be transmitted and reflected. They are non-geometric because their travelpath appears to originate from the projection point of the source on the water-bottom interface. The range of angles in which the non-geometric PS wave exists is dependent on the ratio of the P-wave velocity in the water and the S-wave velocity in the subsurface. High ratios result in a large range of existence. This implies that the non-geometric PS-wave can particularly be useful in marine environments with unconsolidated sediments.