Estimation of multiple scattering by iterative inversion, Part I: Theoretical considerations

Abstract

A review has been given of the surface‐related multiple problem by making use of the so‐called feedback model. From the resulting equations it has been concluded that the proposed solution does not require any properties of the subsurface. However, source‐detector and reflectivity properties of the surface need be specified. Those properties have been quantified in a surface operator and this operator is estimated as part of the multiple removal problem. The surface‐related multiple removal algorithm has been formulated in terms of a Neumann series and in terms of an iterative equation. The Neumann formulation requires a nonlinear optimization process for the surface operator; while the iterative formulation needs a number of linear optimizations. The iterative formulation also has the advantage that it can be integrated easily with another multiple removal method. An algorithm for the removal of internal multiples has been proposed as well. This algorithm is an extension of the surface‐related method. Removal of internal multiples requires knowledge of the macro velocity model between the surface and the upper boundary of the multiple generating layer. In part II (also published in this issue) the success of the proposed algorithms has been demonstrated on numerical experiments and field data examples.