Seismic scattering is influenced by several factors, including topography, faulting, and the presence of fluids or melt. Topography affects seismic waves through geometric variations and differences in material interfaces, leading to scattering as waves interact with these features. Faulting introduces discontinuities in the Earth's crust, which can cause reflections and refractions of seismic waves, altering their paths and intensifying scattering effects. The presence of fluids or molten rock significantly impacts seismic behavior due to differences in elastic properties and sound speed compared to solid rock. These variations can enhance scattering, as the heterogeneous nature of these materials interacts with seismic waves at similar scales to the wavelengths involved. For further reading, scientific sources provide detailed insights into these phenomena and their implications for seismic studies.
