On: “Analysis of the Relationship between Acoustic Reflectivity and Sediment Porosity” by R. W. Faas (GEOPHYSICS, August 1969, p. 546–553)

Abstract

Faas states that a linear regression equation relating sediment porosity and acoustic reflectivity was derived empirically from data previously published by several investigators. The distinction between empirically and theoretically derived relationships is important because empirically derived relationships can be used for predictive purposes with far greater confidence than theoretical ones. The weight of observational data stands behind empirical relationships, while theoretical relationships are untested by observation.