MULTIPLE REFLECTIONS OF SEISMIC ENERGY

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Abstract
This paper is a report of observations of multiple reflections in seismograph work in Argentina, of successful methods of identifying them, and of unsuccessful attempts to eliminate them. The paper begins with generalizations regarding the expectancy of multiples and develops geometrically (using straight‐line paths) the relation between multiples and their primary reflections for the cases of multiple reflection between a horizon and the surface and between two horizons, as regards time of reflection, dip and average velocity. The importance of a sharp reflecting contrast at the surface is emphasized, and it is concluded that the base of weathering may be more important in the formation of multiples than the surface of the earth. Early observations of multiple reflections from a volcanic flow and from a shallow basement are described. Other areas showed discordant data on the seismograms and cross sections, which, if due to multiples, could only be caused by multiple reflections from good sedimentary reflectors. In these areas a method for identifying both types of multiple reflections by their low average velocity as obtained by shooting reflection velocity‐profiles was developed, the work being facilitated by considerable knowledge of velocity and section from previous refraction shooting. Though this reflection velocity‐profile method is considered essential to positive and detailed identification of multiples, two methods of multiple identification using ΔT variations in continuous profiling are described and the results of considerable work with one of them are reported in graphical form, showing not only a separation of multiple from real reflections but also the determination of the true velocity‐depth function by means of the real reflections so segregated. Experiments are briefly described in which variations in size or depth of shot and variations in filters were not effective in reducing the ratio of multiple reflections to real reflections. The paper closes with suggestions for identifying multiple reflections by their abnormal curvatures in discontinuous, symmetrical‐spread dip shooting, and for using primitive qualitative methods where the topography or subsurface are not suited to the quantitative methods developed here.

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