Seismic wave propagation in laterally inhomogeneous geological region via a new hybrid approach

2D seismic wave propagation in a local multilayered geological region rested in an inhomogeneous half-space with a seismic source is studied. Plane strain state is suggested. The vertical variation of the soil properties in the half-space is modelled by a set of horizontal flat isotropic, elastic and homogeneous layers. The finite local region is with non-parallel layers and free surface relief. Efficient hybrid wavenumber integration-boundary integral equation method (WNI-BIEM) is proposed, validated and applied for synthesis of seismic signals in the finite soil stratum. The numerical simulation reveals that the developed hybrid method is able to demonstrate the sensitivity of the obtained synthetic signals to the seismic source properties, to the heterogeneous character of the wave path and to the relief peculiarities of the local stratified geological deposit. The advantages and disadvantages of the proposed method are discussed.