Converted-wave analysis

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During seismic exploration, P-waves (also known as primary or compressive waves) penetrate
down into the earth. When a P-wave hits an interface (e.g., solid-liquid), it can reflect upwards as
an S-wave (also known as a secondary, shear or transverse wave). Other P-wave to S-wave (P-
S) conversions can occur, but the down-up conversion is the primary focus. Unlike P-waves,
converted shear waves are largely unaffected by fluids.[1] By analyzing the original and converted
waves, seismologists obtain additional subsurface information, especially due to (1) differential
velocity (VP/VS), (2) asymmetry in the waves' angles of incidence and reflection and (3) amplitude
variations. [2]
As opposed to analysis of P-wave to P-wave (P-P) reflection, c-wave (P-S) analysis is more
complex. C-wave analysis requires at least three times as many measurement channels per
station. Variations in reflection depths can cause significant analytic problems. Gathering,
mapping, and binning c-wave data is also more difficult than P-P data. However, c-wave analysis
can provide additional information needed to create a three-dimensional depth image of rock
type, structure, and saturant. For example, changes in VSwith respect to VP suggest
changing lithology and pore geometry.[2]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Converted-wave_analysis