Frequency-dependent reflections from a layer with attenuation caused by interlayer flow
Published in
SEG Houston 2009
Date of publication
28 October 2009
Abstract
We study the combined effect of (1) attenuation caused by interlayer-flow and (2) tuning on the reflection coefficient of a layer embedded in an elastic medium in one dimension. Both attenuation and tuning are frequency dependent. We only consider a contrast in attenuation between the layer and the non-attenuating medium. We use the analytical interlayer-flow model, which is based on Biot’s theory of poroelasticity, to model attenuation in the layer. The resulting complex velocity for the attenuating layer is used in the analytical solution for the complex reflection coefficient of a layer embedded in an elastic medium. Attenuation combined with tuning in layers can generate reflection coefficients with significant (1) amplitude (> 10 %) and (2) frequency dependence. Our results can be applied to hydrocarbon reservoirs with high attenuation but low acoustic impedance contrast to the surrounding rock.
