A method and system for seismic data processing utilizes azimuthal
variations in the velocity of seismic signals. The system and method
utilizes a plurality of seismic energy sources that are located at known
positions at the surface of the earth. The seismic energy sources
generate seismic signals that propagate downward into the earth. Some of
the seismic signals are reflected and diffracted by various sub-surface
layers and are returned to the surface of the earth. The returned seismic
signals are received by a plurality of receivers. The method includes the
step of determining the distance from an energy source to an image point.
A fast travel time of the seismic signal from the energy source to the
image point is determined, and a slow travel time of the seismic signal
from the energy source to the image point is determined. The azimuth
angle between the energy source and the surface location of the image
point is calculated. A first travel time of the seismic signal traveling
from the energy source to the image point is calculated. A second travel
time of the seismic signal traveling from the image point to the seismic
receiver is calculated. The total travel time is calculated by adding the
first and second travel time. The amplitudes from the recorded signal at
the total travel time are phase adjusted and added into the output image
at the image point. The foregoing steps are repeated for a plurality of
image points beneath the surface of the earth and the total travel time
is calculated.