Application of quaternion algorithms for multicomponent data analysis: a review

We illustrate the applications on real data sets of three algorithms of multicomponent seismic processing implemented by means of quaternion algebra i.e.: velocity analysis, deconvolution, and Rayleigh wave extraction. First we present an application of quaternion velocity analysis on multicomponent traces, which results in an improved resolution and it allows us to discern on a single velocity panel the different wave trends (P, PS, converted waves) simultaneously. Then we present an application of quaternion deconvolution, that represents an extension of the classical Wiener deconvolution, and takes advantage of the vectorial nature of the wave-field, performing better than scalar filters. Finally, we show an application of a quaternion procedure that extracts a single Rayleigh wave mode on a multicomponent land data set.