Reflections on PS: An interactive discussion of problems and promise in converted-wave exploration

Donald C. Lawton, Gary F. Margrave, Robert R. Stewart

Multicomponent seismic data are being recorded more often now than a decade ago, but the analysis and interpretation of the converted-wave (PS) data still lags that of P-wave data. Anecdotal evidence suggests that horizontal-component data are being recorded but not necessarily processed concomitantly with vertical-component data, except in some marine surveys. In other cases, the horizontal-component data are being shelved until value-added propositions are realized. This is due, to a considerable extent, to the many challenges that face the acquisition and processing PS-wave data and the current, immature status of joint P-wave and PS-wave interpretation methods. In this discussion, we will explore possible ways to make the PS data more useful.