On the layering artifacts in seismic imageries

A common feature in seismic imageries of the crust and mantle is a layering pattern. Layering structures do exist in multiple scales, such as layered strata and unconformities in local and regional scales, and undulating seismic discontinuities in the crust and mantle. However, layering artifact also exists due to limitations in seismic processing and data coverage. There is a tendency for seismic stacking methods to over-map reflectors and scatters into along-isochron layers. In contrast, seismic tomography methods tend to under-map sub-horizontal layers with along-raypath smears and artifacts of various de-mean processes. To better identify signals and artifacts in seismic imageries, it is necessary to understand the origins of various artifacts and make careful comparison between the solutions of different data and methods.