Abstract: A method is disclosed for migrating seismic data which includes determining travel time of a compressional wave from a source location to a scatter point, taking into account ray bending. Travel time of a shear wave from the scatter point to a receiver location is determined, taking into account ray bending at the interfaces between subsurface strata. The determined travel times are then used to migrate the seismic data. In one embodiment, the travel times take account of vertically transversely isotropic media with a vertical symmetry axis.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for migrating seismic data which includes determining travel time of a compressional wave from a source location to a scatter point, taking into account ray bending. Travel time of a shear wave from the scatter point to a receiver location is determined, taking into account ray bending at the interfaces between subsurface strata. The determined travel times are then used to migrate the seismic data. In one embodiment, the travel times take account of vertically transversely isotropic media with a vertical symmetry axis.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for migrating seismic data. The method includes selecting an image point and generating an initial model of seismic velocity with respect to time. The initial model includes substantially horizontal layers each having a selected interval velocity and a selected thickness. A travel time of seismic energy is determined from at least one seismic energy source position to at least one seismic receiver position, wherein the seismic energy is reflected from the image point. A ray path is estimated from the at least one seismic source position to the image point and from the image point to the at least one seismic receiver position. The ray path is based on the source position, the receiver position and the velocity model at the image location. A two-way travel time of seismic energy through formations to the image point is then determined.

Abstract: In a further embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for migrating seismic data. The method comprises determining a travel time; determining a ray-bending correction; determining an amplitude correction; and outputting data based on the travel time, the ray-bending correction, and the amplitude correction.