Internal multiple elimination: Can we trust an acoustic approximation?

• DOI: 10.1190/geo2020-0850.1
• Publication Date: 2021-04-17T17:02:08Z
• Authors: Christian Reinicke; Marcin Dukalski; Kees Wapenaar
• Keywords: Unavailability; Multiple; Wavenumber; Mode (computer interface)

Correct handling of strong elastic internal multiples remains a challenge for seismic imaging. Methods aimed at eliminating them are currently limited by monotonicity violations, lack a-priori knowledge about mode conversions, or unavailability multicomponent sources and receivers not only particle velocities but also the traction vector. Most these challenges vanish in acoustic media such that Marchenko-equation-based methods able, theory, to remove exactly (within certain wavenumber-frequency band). In practice, however, when applied (elastic) field data, conversions unaccounted for. Aiming support recently published marine data study, we build representative synthetic model. For this setting, demonstrate can have substantial impact on recovered multiple-free reflection response. Nevertheless, images significantly improved multiple elimination. Moreover, after migration imprint effects is considerably weaker unlikely alter interpretation.