Low-frequency reflections from a thin layer with high attenuation caused by interlayer flow

The 1D interlayer-flow (or White’s) model is based on Biot’s theory of poroelasticity and explains low-frequency seismic wave attenuation in partially saturated rocks by wave-induced fluid flow between two alternating poroelastic layers, each saturated with a different fluid. We have developed approximate equations for both the minimum possible value of the quality factor, Q , and the corresponding fluid saturation for which Q is minimal. The simple approximate equations provide a better insight into the dependence of Q on basic petrophysical parameters and allow for a fast assessment of the minimal value of Q . The approximation is valid for a wide range of realistic petrophysical parameter values for sandstones partially saturated with gas and water, and shows that values of Q can be as small as two. We ap-plied the interlayer-flow model to study the reflection coefficient of a thin (i.e., between 6 and 11 times smaller than the incident wavelength) layer that is partially saturated with gas and water. ...

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