Converted-wave seismic exploration: Applications

Converted seismic waves (specifically, downgoing P-waves that convert on reflection to upcoming S-waves) are increasingly being used to explore for subsurface targets. Rapid advancements in both land and marine multicomponent acquisition and processing techniques have led to numerous applications for P-S surveys. Uses that have arisen include structural imaging (e.g., seeing through gas-bearing sediments, improved fault definition, enhanced near-surface resolution), litho-logic estimation (e.g., sand versus shale content, porosity), anisotropy analysis (e.g., fracture density and orientation), subsurface fluid description, and reservoir monitoring. Further applications of P-S data and analysis of other more complicated converted modes are developing.