Changes

  | isbn    = 0-89181-602-X

  | isbn    = 0-89181-602-X

}}

}}

The problem addressed in seismic modeling, or simulation, is calculating the seismic response (traveltime and amplitude) for a given stratigraphic model. The stratigraphic model consists of those physical properties that influence seismic wave propagation—typically compressional wave speed, shear wave speed, and mass density. This set of parameters can describe the simplest possible solid, called an isotropic elastic solid. For some purposes, it is sufficient to consider the earth as an acoustic (fluid) medium characterized by only two parameters: sound speed (''υ'') and mass density (ρ). Seismic reflections are generated where there is a contrast in impedance (which is the product of velocity and density).

The problem addressed in seismic modeling, or simulation, is calculating the seismic response ([http://wiki.seg.org/wiki/Dictionary:Traveltime traveltime] and [http://wiki.seg.org/wiki/Dictionary:Amplitude amplitude]) for a given stratigraphic model. The stratigraphic model consists of those physical properties that influence seismic wave propagation—typically [http://wiki.seg.org/wiki/Dictionary:P-wave compressional wave] speed, [http://wiki.seg.org/wiki/Dictionary:S-wave shear wave} speed, and [http://physics.about.com/od/fluidmechanics/f/density.htm mass density]. This set of parameters can describe the simplest possible solid, called an [http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/isotropic isotropic] [http://wiki.seg.org/wiki/Dictionary:Elastic_deformation elastic] solid. For some purposes, it is sufficient to consider the earth as an acoustic (fluid) medium characterized by only two parameters: sound speed (''υ'') and mass density (ρ). Seismic reflections are generated where there is a contrast in impedance (which is the product of velocity and density).

==Velocity data sources==

==Velocity data sources==