Abstract

The seismic reflection method reduced to the simplest terms aims to obtain by means of observations at the surface of the earth the sonic log of the subsurface at the same location. This, in theory, can be accomplished by the generation, transmission and recovery by reflection of a delta function. Thus from observations at suitable locations one could develop in terms of the sonic log subsurface structure and stratigraphy to any desired degree of detail. Mother Earth does not permit so simple an investigation of her secrets and what is actually transmitted and received is far different and less definitive. The reflection process is discussed in some detail with observations regarding its potential and limitations.