Normalized Depth Image Amplitudes from Reverse Time Migration

Reverse Time Migration (RTM) is, nowadays, one of the main tools for seismic exploration due to its ability to handle complex geologies. However, although it can accurately position reflectors, correct amplitudes in RTM are problematic and limit its application when applied to AVA (Amplitude Versus Angle) and AVO (Amplitude Versus Offset) analyses. In this work, normalized depth image amplitudes for Reverse Time Migration are achieved by applying the amplitude matrix, arising from the excitation time imaging condition, as a weighing factor that takes into account the illumination of the target reflector. The normalization factor gives reflection coefficients that correctly follow the trend of the calculated theoretical coefficients. Results are shown for a modified version of the synthetic 2D Hess model, provided courtesy of Hess. The presented RTM sequence is applied and the depth image amplitudes are compared with reflection coefficients for a reference reflector added at the bottom of the model.