System and method for generating 3D images of non-linear properties of rock formation using surface seismic or surface to borehole seismic or both

A system of characterizing properties of a subsurface rock formation from a non-linear interaction, the system comprising:

• a first acoustic source disposed on earth surface, the first acoustic source being configured to generate a first acoustic wave;
• a second acoustic source disposed on the earth surface spaced apart from the first acoustic source on a first line, the second acoustic source being configured to generate a second acoustic wave, wherein the first acoustic source and the second acoustic source are controllable such that trajectories of the first and the second acoustic waves intersect in a mixing zone within the subsurface rock formation;
• a receiver positioned in a first plane generally perpendicular to the earth surface and containing the first line on which the first acoustic source and the second acoustic source are spaced apart, the receiver being configured to receive a third acoustic wave generated by a non-linear mixing process from the first acoustic wave and the second acoustic wave in the mixing zone;
• and
• a processor configured to create a first two-dimensional image of non-linear properties or a first ratio of compressional velocity and shear velocity, or both, of the subsurface rock formation in the first plane generally perpendicular to the surface and containing the first line, based on the received third acoustic wave.