Seismic reflector characterization by a multiscale detection-estimation method

Seismic reflector interfaces in the subsurface are typically idealized as zero-order discontinuities. According to this model, the Earth’s subsurface is represented by a spiky reflection coefficient sequence for which deconvolution methods have been derived. However, multiscale analysis on sedimentary basins reveals the existence of accumulation of varying-order singularities in the subsurface. Seismic traces with varying-order singularities violate most of the assumptions underlying conventional deconvolution methods. We avoid this problem by proposing a nonlinear parametric method based on a two-step approach that divides the initial problem of delineating and characterizing transitions over the whole seismic signal into two easier subproblems. The waveform characterization implies a representation for the geological record that provide information on the basic subsurface stratigraphy and lithology.