Diffraction Imaging in Subsalt Geometries and a New Look at the Scope of Reflectivity

Conventional reflection seismic processing and imaging is based on specular reflections. The kinematics of specular reflections is strongly dependent on subsurface reflector geometry (dip and curvature). Salt dome geometries are usually characterized by very steep dips, flanks and overhanging bodies. Investigation shows that the assumption of specular reflection and a limited data acquisition can have a negative impact on image resolution. In such cases diffraction imaging proves to be a valuable alternative.