Exact and Approximate Reflection Coefficients for a Vertically Fractured Layer

Abstract

Summary We consider the orthorhombic (ORT) model to characterize the vertically fractured medium and analyse the plane wave reflection coefficients for the ORT layer embedded into the ORT space. We decompose the exact reflection coefficients into a series expansion wherein the successive series terms correspond to different orders of intrabed multiples. Under the weak-contrast assumption, we derive the first-order reflection coefficient approximations for the ORT layer. The approximations are tested numerically and can give insights into the reflection responses.