Four methods for the determination of Q in marine sediments are compared: two traditional methods, i.e. the risetime and the spectral ratio method, and two newly established ones, the spectrum modeling and the wavelet modeling method. In the latter one Q and the reflection time T are determined simultaneously, which gives a much better accuracy for T than reading it from the seismogram. The risetime and the spectral ratio methods are used for obtaining Q directly from the data. The principle of the modeling methods is to calculate the effect of absorption and dispersion on a reference wavelet or its spectrum for various values of Q, and the best fit between the observed and the calculated data leads to the optimum result. Numerical tests on synthetic data show that a precision of more than 25% for data containing noise or superposed arrivals can hardly be achieved; in any case, wavelet modeling is the superior method. Application to data from a vertical reflection profile in the Baltic Sea yields Q in the range of 15–100 for different layers, which is to be expected in the sedimentary environment of this area. The computations were performed in the Computer Center of Kiel University. The authors thank R. Meissner for his comments on the manuscript.

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SADOWIAK, P., Voss, J . and MEISSNER, R. 1989. 3D modelling of diffractions observed on deep reflection line DEKORP 2-S. Geophysical Prospecting 37,623-637.DEKORP 2-S is the first profile carried out in the German continental reflection seismic programme. Besides numerous reflections in the lower crust, the seismic section is characterized by strongly curved events that are interpreted as diffractions. These diffractions occur as clusters, mainly in two areas of the profile: the Dinkelsbuhl and the Spessart area. This paper deals with the Dinkelsbuhl diffractions where three-dimensional control is available. The control is provided by two additional profiles P-1 and Q-40 which run parallel and perpendicular to the main line, DEKORP 2-S. The type and the location of the diffractors are determined by traveltime-modelling using crustal velocity functions derived from in-line wideangle observations. A model with inclined line diffractors provides the best fit to the data for all three profiles. Projections of these line diffractors to the surface show that they are aligned parallel to the strike direction of the Variscides. This suggests that the diffractions are associated with the suture zone between the Saxothuringian and Moldanubian geological provinces.

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