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Earth and Space Sciences · Glossary

What is Reflectivity series?

Definition 2.4 University Earth and Space Sciences — Year 3 · Chapter 2 — Exploration Seismology

The reflectivity series of a layered column is the sequence of normal-incidence reflection coefficients rkr_k of its interfaces, placed at their two-way vertical times τk=∑i≤k2hi/vi\tau_k = \sum_{i \le k} 2h_i/v_i: r(t)=∑krk δ(t−τk)r(t) = \sum_k r_k\,\delta(t - \tau_k).

A synthetic seismogram of the Varden column beneath the syncline axis (computed). Left: the impedance of each layer against two-way time. Middle: the reflectivity series, one spike per interface (the stems point right for an increase of impedance). Right: their convolution with a 30\, Hz Ricker wavelet. Each reflection is a copy of the wavelet; the faint chalk–shale reflection, at 0.488\, s, is barely visible.
A synthetic seismogram of the Varden column beneath the syncline axis (computed). Left: the impedance of each layer against two-way time. Middle: the reflectivity series, one spike per interface (the stems point right for an increase of impedance). Right: their convolution with a 30 Hz30\,\mathrm{Hz} Ricker wavelet. Each reflection is a copy of the wavelet; the faint chalk–shale reflection, at 0.488 s0.488\,\mathrm{s}, is barely visible.
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