Seismics and optics: hyperbolae and curvatures

We rederive and generalize hyperbolic moveout formulae for the common-midpoint (CMP) gather and for the zero-offset (ZO) section that can be efficiently used for macro-model-independent reflection imaging in two-dimensional media. The hyperbolic moveout formulae for the common-midpoint gather are obtained from different Taylor series expansions of a particular parametric moveout surface defined in the multicoverage data space. Such a moveout surface involves three kinematic wave-field attributes of two hypothetical waves, which have to be determined by a coherency analysis. By using hyperbolic moveout curves in the CMP gather and in the ZO section one can determine these attributes in two steps. The relationships between the local shapes of the interfaces and the attributes of the hypothetical wave-fields attributes are considered by means of geometrical optics. The determination of these attributes allows to perform a macro-model-independent ZO simulation and a subsequent inversion.     

MERLIN: today and tomorrow

The MERLIN team together with Melvin Hoare and Karen Wills , review MERLIN's revealing role in studying star formation throughout the universe – from nearby stars to the most distant galaxies.