Dynamic plotting of model surface and body waves

Peter Malcolm Manning, Gary F. Margrave, Robert R. Stewart

Dynamic plots (movies) of surface and body waves have been made using Matlab finite difference modelling code. They show how waves of different types propagate, and how they are altered by a variation of properties within the medium. To understand the nature of the waves, it is important to know the direction in which the particles move. If the nature of the wave can be shown in a small detailed area, the best display is the Matlab quiver plot. A surface wave has been displayed in this way. If a broader view is required, an excellent display codes the azimuth of displacement to a colour spectrum and uses intensity to indicate amplitude. Several types of body wave plots have been made in this way.