Seismoelectric effect in Lamb’s problem

Seismoelectric effect is studied in the framework of classical Lamb’s problem with impulse or time- variable mechanical action on an elastic porous half-space. Radiation of elastic waves gives rise to pressure variation of groundwater fluid contained in pores and cracks. This causes the generation of telluric electric fields and currents due to the seismoelectric effect. A diffusion type equation is applied to describe the variations of the pore pressure and telluric electric field. Particular emphasis has been placed on the properties of seismoelectric signals caused by Rayleigh wave propagation since this wave has maximal amplitude at a considerable distance from the seismic source. For practical purposes and geophysical application, the co-seismic phenomena related to seismoelectric effect are examined in more detail.