Debris flow seismo-acoustic wave in a finite layer waveguide

Abstract

The seismo-acoustic wave detection is a popular method to detect debris flows. It has been successfully used in different early warning systems worldwide. However, more information is embedded in the signals related to flow conditions. This research uses theoretical derivation to connect signals with debris flow propagation speed. We assume debris flow generates seismo-acoustic stress acting on a river bed and the seismo-acoustic waves propagate in a finite layer waveguide below the channel. Then, the propagation of seismo-acoustic stress was solved with the elastic wave equations along the channel. For any fixed point in this waveguide, the frequency of the recording signal can be translated as a function of debris flow propagation speed and seismo-acoustic wave velocity. The result shows that there is a Doppler-like property for a recorded signal where debris flow propagation speed can cause a frequency shift. This result also indicates that different superior frequency bands would be recorded from different media.