Propagation of the seismic wave Propagation of the seismic wave

Reflection Coefficient: It is a ratio of reflected wave amplitude (Ar) to
incidence wave amplitude (Ai)
R = Ar / Ai = Z2 – Z1 / Z2 + Z1 = P2V2 – P1V1 / P2V2 + P1V1
Notes:
1- R is positive when Z2>Z1 and negative when Z1>Z2
2- R =+1 when Z1 = 0 and R = -1 when Z2 = 0
3- R is approach to unity in two cases:
a- When incidence angle = Critical incidence angle
b- Tangential (Grazing) incidence
(a)
(b)