Theoretical formulas are presented for determining dispersion curves and particle orbits of multiple-mode Rayleigh waves which are generated from a point source acting on the ground surface. Field observation of Rayleigh waves suggests the effectivenesss of the proposed formulas. An inverse process is then-presented in which both dispersion data and particle orbits are used for determining shear wave velocity structure. It is indicated that the inversion process which minimizes data misfit of both dispersion data and particle orbits can enhance the reliability of the computed soil structure.
