Properties of Boundaries of the Earth's Core Derived from Diffracted Seismic Waves

Abstract

Creeping seismic waves (diffracted and whispering gallery waves) are tools for studying internal boundaries of the Earth due to their relative long propagation paths near the studied interface. Theoretically these waves can be modelled by means of the asymptotic boundary layer method of diffracted waves. Formulae for velocity, attenuation, and penetration depth of creeping waves propagating near the core-mantle boundary and near the inner core boundary are given. Observational data indicating an inhomogeneous core mantle transition are presented.