Abstract:
A model of nonlinearity of the contact between the vibrator baseplate and the ground is proposed to de-scribe the distortion of vibroseis signals in the near-field. A thin layer between the baseplate and the soil exhibits a strong nonlinear response because of the difference in its rigidity between the compression and tension phases. The model allows for a quantitative description of the transmission of seismic energy into the ground, including the observed harmonic distortion. However, the contact nonlinearity does not lead to the dependence of wave traveltimes on the amplitude of the force applied to the ground. This fact can be used in field observations to localize the source of the observed harmonic distortion.