The present invention provides a method and apparatus for using an
acoustic logging tool conveyed in a borehole in an earth formation for
determining a characteristic of the formation. The method comprises using
a first acoustic source for generating an acoustic signal in the earth
formation at a first frequency. A second acoustic source spaced apart
from the first source is used for generating an acoustic signal in the
earth formation at a second frequency different from the first frequency.
An acoustic receiver is used for receiving a third acoustic signal
indicative of said characteristic. The third acoustic signal has a
frequency substantially equal to a difference between the first frequency
and the second frequency. The third acoustic signal is produced by a
nonlinear interaction between the first signal and the second signal in a
portion of said earth formation.