Seismoelectric Wave Propagation in Velocity and Attenuation Anisotropic Media

The seismoelectric effect, characterized by the coupling of seismic and electromagnetic (EM) waves in fluid-saturated porous media, offers a promising avenue for subsurface exploration and earthquake seismology. However, the complexity of the Earth’s subsurface, particularly the presence of anisotropic velocity and attenuation, poses challenges for accurate modeling and interpretation. Here, we introduce a novel approach to model seismoelectric wave propagation in viscoelastic anisotropic porous media by incorporating the nearly constant Q model into the seismoelectric wave equations. Using a series of 2-D and 3-D models, we analyze the influence of both velocity and attenuation anisotropy on the propagation of seismoelectric waves. Our results show that both velocity and attenuation anisotropies contribute to the attenuation of the seismoelectric wavefield. Spatial changes in the elastic and electrical parameters of the subsurface media generate interface response of EM waves, although these are weaker compared to coseismic electric fields. Our extended seismoelectric models provide a robust description of wave propagation in poro-viscoelastic anisotropic media, which can allow for enhancing the current understanding of the Earth’s interior.