Seismic attenuation estimation from instantaneous frequency

An approach is proposed for quality (Q) factor estimation from the variation of envelope peak instantaneous frequency (EPIF). For a frequency-independent Q model, assuming that the propagating wavelet can be modeled by a Gaussian function with constant phase, an approximate analytic relation between Q and EPIF variation is derived. Synthetic tests show that the EPIF method has higher resolution and is less sensitive to noise and interference reflection than common methods. The field test of reflection seismic data indicates that the zone of lower Q -factors corresponds well to the gas reservoir.