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Refer all layer wave amplitudes to the lower interface. Let a downward incident SH displacement field have unit wave amplitude there, an upward reflected wave have wave amplitude $R_h$, and the decaying half-space wave wave amplitude $T_h$. Interface continuity givesSolving these equations proves the Love-wave interface reflection phase and transmission wave amplitude:Thus $|R_h|=1$: the evanescent substrate field has nonzero wave amplitude but no net downward mean flux. At the traction-free top, an upward incident wave and its downward reflection must have canceling derivatives, so their displacement field reflection coefficient is $R_0=+1$.

A layer wave acquires wave phase $2qh$ during a complete round trip. Constructive interference requiresTaking the tangent gives again $\tan (qh)=\mu p/({\mu }_{0}q)$. The reflection phases, rather than only geometric travel distance, are essential to the mode condition.