On the application of Biot's theory to acoustic wave propagation in snow

Abstract

A fluid-saturated, elastic, porous media model is used to describe acoustic wave propagation in snow. This model predicts the existence of two dilatational waves and a shear wave. In homogeneous, isotropic snow the two dilatational waves are uncoupled from one another but involve coupled motion between the interstitial air and ice skeleton. Dilatational waves of the first kind and shear waves are slightly dispersive and attenuated with distance. Dilatational waves of the second kind are strongly dispersive and highly attenuated. The model also predicts that the wave impedance for snow is close to that of air and that snow strongly absorbs acoustic wave energy. Available experimental phase velocity, impedance and attenuation data support the calculated results. Phase velocity measurements indicate three identifiable categories: fast dilatational waves (phase velocity ⩾ 500 m/s), slow dilatational waves (phase velocity < 500 m/s) and shear waves. Wave impedance and attenuation measurements illustrate the low impedance, highly absorbing characteristics of snow. Additional impedance, attenuation and phase velocity data are required to further test and improve the model.