Seismic signal processing using an inverse diffraction technique

A seismic processing technique is presented for determining the average interval velocity and layer thickness of a multilayered ocean floor. The processor operates on the seismic data recorded by an array of hydrophones located on the ocean surface. The computer algorithm making up the processor is based on Kirchoff diffraction integral and an iterative solution is obtained using the Fourier transform (FFT). Since the processor is not limited by any restrictions imposed by the use of approximations, high resolution can be obtained in shallow water by using a large receiving array. At present, the evaluation of the seismic processor has been accomplished by using synthetic seismic data. This insures that the actual parameters being solved for are known, thus the accuracy and resolution of the processor can be ascertained.