Common reflection point horizontal data stacking techniques

Abstract Techniques are described whereby multiple coverage of the subsurface is obtained. Detector spreads and shotpoints are arranged so that the channels representing common depth points are recorded with appreciably different horizontal distances between the shotpoints and detector stations. The channels which have a common reflection point are combined, or stacked, after appropriate corrections for angularity and travel time to datum have been applied. Reflections which follow the assumed travel paths are greatly enhanced, and other events are reduced. Methods for attenuating multiple reflections with respect to primaries are discussed in considerable detail. Typical field comparisons between conventional and stacked traverses are shown to illustrate the degree of improvement which can be obtained in the signal-to-noise ratio. General considerations applicable to field usage, and the geographic range of field experience are summarized.