THE DETERMINATION OF THE SEISMIC QUALITY FACTOR Q FROM VSP DATA: A COMPARISON OF DIFFERENT COMPUTATIONAL METHODS1

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Abstract
Ten methods for the computation of attenuation have been investigated, namely: amplitude decay, analytical signal, wavelet modelling, phase modelling, frequency modelling, rise‐time, pulse amplitude, matching technique, spectral modelling and spectral ratio. In particular, we have studied the reliability of each of these methods in estimating correct values ofQusing three synthetic VSP seismograms for plane P‐waves with different noise contents.The investigations proved that no single method is generally superior. Rather, some methods are more suitable than others in specific situations depending on recording, noise or geology. The analytical signal method has been demonstrated to be superior if true amplitude recordings are available. Otherwise spectral modelling or, in the ‘ noise‐free’ case the spectral ratio method, is optimal.Finally, two field VSPs in sediments are investigated. Only in the case of the highest quality VSP can significant information be deduced from the computed attenuation.