Two-dimensional post-stack depth migration: a survey of methods

We present and discuss four of the most accurate methods for depth migration in complex structure. These include two frequency-domain methods (x-w summation and phase shift plus interpolation) and two time-domain methods (reverse-time finite-difference migration and Kirchhoff migration using accurately computed traveltime curves). These methods can all handle steeply dipping structure and large lateral velocity variations. Comparing their implementations shows advantages and disadvantages of each of the methods; none of the methods emerges as clearly the best, even for two-dimensional (2D) post-stack migration.