Arkady M. Aizenberg

Edge and Tip Diffractions: Theory and Applications in Seismic Prospecting

In Edge and Tip Diffractions: Theory and Applications in Seismic Prospecting (SEG Geophysical Monograph Series No. 14), the theoretical framework of the edge and tip wave theory of diffractions has been elaborated from fundamental wave mechanics. Seismic diffractions are inevitable parts of the recorded wavefield scattered from complex structural settings and thus carry back to the surface information that can be exploited to enhance the resolution of details in the underground. The edge and tip wave theory of diffractions provides a physically sound and mathematically consistent method of computing diffraction phenomena in realistic geologic models. In this book, theoretical derivations are followed by their numerical implementation and application to real exploration problems. The book was written initially as lecture notes for an internal course in diffraction modeling at Norsk Hydro Research Center, Bergen, Norway, and later was used for a graduate course at Novosibirsk State University in Russia. The material is drawn from several previous publications and from unpublished technical reports. Edge and Tip Diffractions will be of interest to geoscientists, engineers, and students at graduate and Ph.D. levels.

Comparison of Numerical Seismic Modeling Results with Acoustic Water-tank Data

Accurate simulations of seismic wave propagation in complex geological structures with great and rapid variations of topography are of primary interest for environmental and industrial applications. Unfortunately, difficulties arise for such complex environments, due essentially to the existence of shadow zones, head waves, diffractions and edge effects. An original approach for seismics is to compare synthetic seismic data to controlled laboratory data for a well-described configuration, in order to analyze the respective limitations of each method/code. In this presentation we will present some preliminary results provided by both laboratory experiments conducted in a water-tank and numerical simulations of wave propagation obtained by two methods: the Tip-Wave Superposition Method and the Spectral Element Method.