Resolution of ambiguities of seismic refraction traveltime curves

Abstract

Ambiguities are inherent in seismic refraction traveltime curves based on first arrivals recorded from a multi‐layered medium. Even for reversed profiles, inflections of traveltime curves caused by the onset of arrivals from successively deeper horizons frequently cannot be delineated from those caused by lateral geologic changes. In addition, the secondary arrivals which may represent essential portions of a traveltime curve are not available. Numerous inversions having different geologic implications are possible. Ambiguities may be resolved by using multiple shotpoints for each spread and combining their individual first‐arrival traveltime curves to yield a consistent set of curves for each refracting horizon. A set of rules applies for combining individual traveltime curves based on reversed, split, and offset profile configurations. The combined curves lend themselves to a unique inversion.