3-D multicomponent survey design: P-P versus P-S fold

Robert R. Stewart

The area of coverage and resultant fold of a 3-D seismic survey are fundamental parameters in the survey's design. For converted (P-S) waves, in a single homogeneous layer, the area of coverage provided by a given set of orthogonal shot and receiver lines is smaller than that of the corresponding P-P waves. But, in the covered area, the P-S fold is higher. In addition, the larger the Vp/Vs value, the smaller the area of P-S coverage.