Finite-difference staggered-grid modelling in 3 dimensions

Peter Malcolm Manning

The elastic finite-difference modelling method, which uses staggered grid displacement positions and which has proved effective in 2 dimensions, has been extended for use in 3 dimensions. The geometry of the grid positions is shown from selected viewpoints. For an isotropic, homogeneous medium, four types of finite-difference energy sources are examined, and the propagating wavefronts expected from them are shown. The accuracy of one of the energy source models is verified by comparison with the double-couple solution from known theoretical results.