Multiple prediction using the homeomorphic‐imaging technique

A new method for predicting different kinds of multiples and peg‐leg reflections in unstacked seismic data is discussed. The basis for this method is the fact that kinematic properties of multiples can be represented as a combination of kinematic properties of primary reflections. The prediction is made using a two‐step process. In the first step, the values for the angle of emergence and radius of curvature of the wavefront for primary reflections from ‘multiple‐generating’ interfaces are obtained. These parameters are estimated directly from unstacked data for every source point using the homeomorphic‐imaging technique. The second step consists of prediction of multiples from primary reflections that satisfy a so‐called ‘multiple condition’. This condition is the equality of the absolute values of the angles of emergence calculated from the first step. This method is effective even in complex media and information on the subsurface geology is not required. The parameters are estimated directly from the unstacked data and do not require any computational efforts such as in wavefield extrapolation of data.