Abstract
<jats:p>Complex near-surface conditions are among the most significant challenges facing seismic exploration and imaging. Large and rapid velocity variations in weathered layers, desert sands, carbonates, volcanics, conglomerates, evaporites, and structurally complex terrains can distort seismic wave propagation, degrade image quality, and introduce substantial uncertainties in subsurface interpretation.</jats:p> <jats:p>Seismic Imaging through Complex Near-Surface Conditions for Oil and Gas Exploration presents the theory, methodology, quality-control procedures, and practical applications of modern near-surface velocity-model building and seismic imaging technologies. Drawing on more than five decades of combined industry, research, and academic experience, the authors describe the development and application of turning-ray tomography, tomostatics, tomo-datuming, finite-frequency wavepath tomography, and joint refraction-reflection tomography for improving seismic imaging beneath challenging near-surface environments.</jats:p> <jats:p>The book combines fundamental concepts with numerous field examples and case studies from North America, the Middle East, Central Asia, and other regions of the world. Topics include forward modeling, ray tracing, turning-ray tomography, the “shingle-roof” behavior of first arrivals, quality-control tools, joint tomography, and emerging approaches such as finite-frequency wavepath tomography and land full-waveform inversion.</jats:p> <jats:p>Written for exploration geophysicists, seismic processors, researchers, and graduate students, this volume provides both a practical reference and a comprehensive guide to understanding and mitigating the impact of complex near-surface conditions on seismic imaging and interpretation.</jats:p>