Method and apparatus for true relative amplitude correction of seismic data for normal moveout stretch effects

A program storage device readable by a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine to perform method steps for arriving at true relative amplitude destretched seismic traces from stretched seismic traces, the method comprising the steps of:

• a acquiring stretched seismic traces;
• b determining stretch factors β for the stretched seismic traces;
• c. determining input spectra for the stretched seismic traces;
• d. determining estimates of stretched wavelet spectra from the input spectra;
• e. obtaining a destretched wavelet spectra;
• f. determining shaping correction factors by taking the ratio of the destretched wavelet spectra to the stretched wavelet spectra;
• g. applying the shaping correction factors to the input spectra of the stretched traces to arrive at a destretched trace spectra;
• h. computing true relative amplitude scaling factors by taking the ratio of a true relative amplitude property of the destretched wavelet spectra to a corresponding true relative amplitude property of the stretched wavelet spectra;
• and
• i. applying the true relative amplitude scaling factors to the destretched trace spectra to arrive at true relative amplitude destretched seismic trace whereby the true relative amplitude property of the stretched wavelet spectra is substantially preserved.