The study of the interaction between waves propagating in a medium and its structure continues to be one of the most active research areas of wave physics and notably seismology. After the introduction of a new class of artificially engineered media called “metamaterials” in electromagnetism and acoustics, the idea that full control on wave propagation can be achieved through an appropriate design of the medium’s microstructure is now widely accepted. In elasticity for instance, several laboratory experiments have shown how waves can be stopped, converted or amplified using resonant inclusions or periodic arrangement of heterogeneities.

Also in seismology, metamaterials concepts and ideas are progressively gaining relevance with the first experiments addressing wave control capacities and feasibility. Major challenges remain in the upscaling of metamaterial designs and physics to both the long wavelength (up to hundreds of metres) and complexity (P, S, surface waves and other guided modes) characterizing the propagation of seismic waves in the ground.

We solicit theoretical, numerical and experimental contributions dealing with metamaterials and wave control applications to the field of geophysics and seismic engineering.