Multistep reverse time migration

Abstract

Reverse time migration (RTM), being based on the two-way wave equation, can accurately account for wave propagation in both up and down directions. As a result, RTM can generate much improved subsurface images in areas where strong vertical velocity gradients generate turning waves or where rugose interfaces with strong velocity contrasts generate prism waves. In addition, because of its ability to image reflection events that cannot be imaged by other techniques, RTM can be used for refining a velocity model.