This second edition extends the rigorous, self-contained exposition of the theory for viscoelastic wave propagation in layered media to include head waves and general ray theory. The theory, not published elsewhere, provides solutions for fundamental wave-propagation and ray-theory problems valid for any media with a linear response, elastic or anelastic. It explains measurable variations in wave speed, particle motion, and attenuation of body waves, surface waves, and head waves induced at anelastic material boundaries that do not occur for elastic waves. This book may be used as a textbook for advanced university courses and as a research reference in seismology, exploration geophysics, engineering, solid mechanics, and acoustics. It provides computation steps for ray-tracing computer algorithms to develop a variety of tomography inferred anelastic models, such as those for the Earth's deep interior and petroleum reserves. Numerical results and problem sets emphasize important aspects of the theory for each chapter.

‘As noted by R. A. Stephen, Borcherdt’s book is a tour de force that can serve as a vanguard for the study of viscoelastic properties of the Earth and other layered media. With its instructive problems sets for each chapter and complementary numerical results, the book is an excellent stand-alone or complementary textbook for advanced courses or research in seismology, exploration geophysics, engineering, solid mechanics, and acoustics. The book fills a void not covered in other texts.’

Andreas Fichtner Source: Seismological Research Letters

‘This work is very impressive and the very coherent description of wave propagation in viscoelastic layered (solid) media is exceptional. The main contribution from my point of view is the detailed understanding of physical features of waves when they propagate into lossy media. This book would be a valuable contribution to a research library. Advanced students and researchers will find in this book answers to questions they may face when considering effects in lossy materials, quite different from effects in lossless media.’

Pr Emeritus Jean Virieux Source: Geophysical Journal International

‘Bound to become one of the most sought-after references on the subject. Roger Borcherdt has worked on the subject since his PhD days, and his mastery of the subject is something to behold.’

Sven Treitel Source: The Leading Edge, Society of Exploration Geophysicists