Vertical resolution

Problems in Exploration Seismology and their Solutions

Series	Geophysical References Series
Title	Problems in Exploration Seismology and their Solutions
Author	Lloyd P. Geldart and Robert E. Sheriff
Chapter	6
Pages	181 - 220
DOI	http://dx.doi.org/10.1190/1.9781560801733
ISBN	ISBN 9781560801153
Store	SEG Online Store

Problem 6.19a

Approximately, what are the dominant frequencies for reflections in Figure 6.19a that arrive at the right side of the section at about 0.6, 1.2, and 1.8 s?

Background

Resolution is discussed in problem 6.18 where it is shown that the resolvable thickness is $\lambda /4$.

Solution

Measuring peak-to-peak time intervals for several cycles on an enlarged figure, we get periods of about 20, 30, and 40 ms, or frequencies of 50, 33, and 25 Hz, for the three reflections.

Figure 6.19a.  Section in Ardmore Basin, Oklahoma.

Problem 6.19b

If the velocities at these reflectors are 2.0, 3.0, and 5.0 km/s, respectively, what are the resolvable thicknesses?

Solution

Resolvable thicknesses are about $\lambda /4=V/4f$. This yields thicknesses of 10, 23, and 50 m, respectively.

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Dependence of resolvable limit on frequency	Causes of high-frequency losses
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Geometry of seismic waves	Characteristics of seismic events
Table of Contents (book)

Also in this chapter

• Characteristics of different types of events and noise
• Horizontal resolution
• Reflection and refraction laws and Fermat’s principle
• Effect of reflector curvature on a plane wave
• Diffraction traveltime curves
• Amplitude variation with offset for seafloor multiples
• Ghost amplitude and energy
• Directivity of a source plus its ghost
• Directivity of a harmonic source plus ghost
• Differential moveout between primary and multiple
• Suppressing multiples by NMO differences
• Distinguishing horizontal/vertical discontinuities
• Identification of events
• Traveltime curves for various events
• Reflections/diffractions from refractor terminations
• Refractions and refraction multiples
• Destructive and constructive interference for a wedge
• Dependence of resolvable limit on frequency
• Vertical resolution
• Causes of high-frequency losses
• Ricker wavelet relations
• Improvement of signal/noise ratio by stacking

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