Shear velocity estimation by coherency optimization

In this study we present a method for estimating shear (S) velocities within defined layers (macro-model), using only kinematic properties (i.e travel-times) of the wavefield. The method does not require identification of mixed-mode events on pre-stack or post-stack data. After obtaining a velocity-depth model by coherency inversion and prestack depth migration, S velocities are determined by coherency optimization along computed travel-time curves on pre-stack data. Since the method does not involve any dynamic wavefield computations, simple ray-tracing algorithm is used to solve the forward problem. The simplicity of the scheme, together with the ability to apply it locally, makes it highly suitable for interactive use. Results of this method may be used to detect Poisson ratio anomalies within or between layers and may serve as an initial model for more complicated elastic inversion algorithms.