Selection of the Sampling Interval in Seismic Data Recording

The sampling theorem states that a continuous analogue signal with limited (finite) spectrum can be uniquely recovered using signal’s discrete values taken at the frequency at least twice higher than the doubled upper frequency of the signal. At the same time the seismic records have limited length, and the amplitude spectrum of the seismic records is not finite. Consequently the process of discretization and recovery of the seismic signals inevitably cause amplitude distortions. The first type of distortions occurs in the process of trace recording, and the second type of distortions occurs at the data processing stage. Modern seismic is thought to ensure high resolution and reliable results of the investigation of the sedimentary cover. Seismic data are used to extract such characteristics of subsurface formations as lithology, fracturing, porosity, fluid saturation, etc. To successfully perform seismic inversion, errors related to signal discretization should be controlled and minimized. We offer a universal procedure of the selection of seismic data sampling interval.