Wavelet estimation: A first step toward increasing image resolution

Abstract

In many fields of imaging, the shape of the function describing the incident source wave (“the wavelet”) is known. In seismic exploration, this luxury is not available since seismic sources are affected by their environment. The resultant wavelet that is transmitted into the earth is quite different from any measurement that may be conducted near the source. To many seismic explorationists the wavelet has almost taken a mythical position of stature. More Black Art, mysterious assumptions, advanced mathematics, and handwaving go into wavelet estimation than any other aspect of seismic exploration. The reason for all the effort stems from the need to explore targets that are fractions of wavelengths. This presentation describes some of the methods used in seismic exploration to preserve bandwidth, estimate the wavelet shape, and invert the data to obtain a sharp image.