THREE‐DIMENSIONAL SEISMIC MODELING

Abstract

Record sections from three‐dimensional acoustic models often contain diffracted events not predictable by classical raypath theory. Several observed and calculated record sections from models of typical geologic structures such as synclines, anticlines, and faults verify this diffraction phenomenon. A careful interpretation of the character and moveout of these diffracted events is required to delineate certain portions of the geologic structures. A far‐field approximation of the retarded potential equation is suitable for direct time‐domain evaluation and is used to synthesize the calculated sections. The excellent comparisons between the calculated and observed record sections suggest that the mathematical modeling technique can be a useful tool for enhancing field interpretations.