Three types of Wudang group schist with different macroscopic characteristics were selected to make the standard cylindrical test specimens possessing different schistosity angles. Firstly

P-wave velocity of the specimens were tested after dried and soaked to investigate the velocity anisotropy of Wudang group schist in different water bearing states. Then

combined with mineral composition and microstructure characteristics of three kinds of schist obtained by polarizing microscope and scanning electron microscopy

he wave velocity anisotropy affected by internal and external factors were further investigated. The results indicate that the major minerals of Wudang group schist are hard granular quartz

feldspar and soft muscovite. The higher content of hard mineral or the smaller porosity of schist

the larger P-wave velocity and vice versa. The P-wave velocity of dry samples shows significant anisotropy. As the angle between the direction of wave propagation and foliation decreases

the wave velocity increases gradually. Wave velocity in different directions can be predicted by the formula expressed as wave velocity circle. The wave velocity anisotropy is essentially caused by the directional and the interval distribution of micro fissures

of which the degree k can be evaluated indirectly through the orientation coefficient of muscovite. There is a linear positive correlation between and

and the upper limit of the p-wave anisotropy of the Wudang group schist is 2.90. Due to the increase of the equivalent volume modulus of schist after the pores filled by water

the P-wave velocity of the soaking sample is generally increased. And the increasing effect of velocity depends greatly on the porosity and distribution of micro fissures

leading to the difference of P-wave velocity among different kinds of schists and a inverse correlation between the anisotropy degree of wave velocity for the same kind of schist and the soaking time.