A flat reflector gives a two-way vertical reflection time

PHYSICS · Multi-part · Fermi University Physics · Earth, Climate & Energy Physics · Seismology, tectonics and geodynamics · Seismology, tectonics and geodynamics

The Solid Earth, Ch Rays and travel times: from arrivals to a layered planet

Problem

t_0 = 1.8\,\mathrm{s}

. At an offset

x = 1.5\,\mathrm{km}

the same reflection is observed at

t = 1.868\,\mathrm{s}

. Assume a single uniform layer of speed

v

overlies the reflector. ((a)) Use the reflection hyperbola to find

v

. ((b)) Use the small-offset moveout formula instead, and explain in words why it gives a slightly higher speed than the exact hyperbola.

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