Joint analysis of Rayleigh- and Love-wave dispersion: Issues, criteria and improvements

Joint analysis of Rayleigh- and Love-wave dispersion is performed with the aim of evaluating how their joint use can improve retrieved vertical VS profiles. In fact, non-uniqueness of the solution and complex energy distribution among different modes represent problems which, if not properly considered, can eventually lead to ambiguous or erroneous subsurface models.Some tests performed on synthetic datasets show that for the deepest layers the improvements obtained by the joint inversion cannot be considered as fully decisive in terms of ultimate solution of non-uniqueness. Nevertheless joint analysis of dispersive properties of Rayleigh and Love waves reveals as a highly valuable tool able to clarify possible interpretation issues of the single components. Under some stratigraphical circumstances, velocity spectra of Rayleigh waves can in fact be extremely complex in terms of energy distribution among different modes and erroneous interpretations of dispersion curves can thus occur. Beneficial aspects of the joint analysis is shown in the light of possible inconsistencies of the Pareto front, since major interpretative errors can be revealed in the outcomes of the proposed inversion procedure. Two field datasets are analysed also suggesting some improvements in the field acquisition procedures aimed at the acquisition of both Rayleigh and Love waves.

► We first summarize non-uniqueness in surface-wave dispersion analysis.
► We consider some synthetic data (dispersion curves) to evaluate performances of implemented joint inversion procedure.
► While shear-wave velocities of deep layers can still be ambiguous, VS anisotropy for shallow layers can be detected.
► Field data are analyzed also in the light of synthetic data: evidence of differences between radial and vertical components.
► A fast acquisition procedure supported by shown evidences is then proposed for acquiring both Rayleigh and Love waves.