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Normal moveout in focus 1
Author(s) -
Bazelaire Eric,
Viallix Jean Rene
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
geophysical prospecting
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.735
H-Index - 79
eISSN - 1365-2478
pISSN - 0016-8025
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2478.1994.tb00222.x
Subject(s) - normal moveout , reflection (computer programming) , interval (graph theory) , regional geology , economic geology , environmental geology , geology , mathematical analysis , optics , algorithm , computer science , mathematics , hydrogeology , physics , metamorphic petrology , geotechnical engineering , anisotropy , combinatorics , programming language
Improving the accuracy of NMO corrections and of the corresponding interval velocities entails implementing a better approximation than the formula used since the beginning of seismic processing. The exact equations are not practical as they include many unknowns. The approximate expression has only two unknowns, the reflection time and the rms velocity, but becomes inaccurate for large apertures of the recording system and heterogeneous vertical velocities. Several methods of improving the accuracy have been considered, but the gains do not compensate for the dramatic increase in computing time. Two alternative equations are proposed: the first containing two parameters, the reflection time and the focusing time, is not valid for apertures much greater than is the standard formula, but has a much faster computing time and does not stretch the far traces; the other, containing three parameters, the reflection time, like focusing time and the tuning velocity, retains high frequencies for apertures about twice those allowed by the standard equation. Its computing time can be kept within the same limits. NMO equations, old and new, are designed strictly for horizontal layering, but remain reliable as long as the rays travel through the same layers in both the down and up directions. An equation, similar to Dix's formula, is given to compute the interval velocities. The entire scheme can be automated to produce interval‐velocity sections without manual picking.