Reflection Coefficients and Azimuthal AVO Analysis in Anisotropic Media

Observing offset-dependent seismic reflectivity has proved to be a valuable exploration tool for the direct detection of hydrocarbons. This monograph provides a comprehensive review of reflection coefficients and their approximations in isotropic media, followed by an in-depth discussion of reflection amplitudes in anisotropic media. No prior knowledge of seismic anisotropy is assumed, and considerable effort is spent to introduce wave propagation and medium parameterizations useful for surface seismic applications in the presence of anisotropy. The first anisotropic model discussed here is transverse isotropy with a vertical axis of symmetry (VTI media), typically used to describe shale sequences. The study of the VTI reflection coefficients is then extended to transverse isotropy with a horizontal axis of symmetry (HTI)-the symmetry system that describes a system of parallel vertical cracks. Analysis of the "Shuey-type" approximate HTI P-wave reflection coefficient makes it possible to devise fracture-detection algorithms based on the inversion of azimuthal differences of the P-wave AVO gradient. The monograph also presents analysis of shear- and converted-wave reflection coefficients for HTI and orthorhombic models, discusses practical aspects of applying the azimuthal AVO analysis, and mentions some promising recent results.