P-wave modulus

The P-wave modulus is an elastic modulus, not often used in rock physics interpretation. It is usually denoted M.

M is analogous to the shear modulus, μ and is most easily understood in acoustic terms:

$M=\rho V_{\mathrm {P} }^{2}$

Therefore Mρ is equal to I_P², so one could invert for it relatively easily, as one does for λρ. One could consider M as a cousin to bulk modulus, K, in the same way that the 1st Lamé parameter is a cousin to shear modulus, μ.

See also

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