Let's turn our attention to a few simple zero-offset examples. In this case, we only want to compare algorithms. True zero offset data should provide a complete and accurate image of the subsurface. Since the data we will image is synthetic, we will have an exact representation of the true result.
Using our exploding reflector modeling approach, we generate what might be called true zero-offset seismic sections. These sections are then migrated using some new and some very old methods. Visual comparisons provide conclusive evidence that using the most accurate algorithm usually produces the best possible image.
If we are correct in our theoretical analysis, reverse time migration should produce almost exactly the correct answer in the following examples. Since reverse-time migration does not have any information about amplitudes in the subsurface at the start of the migration, we should not expect a perfect result. Nevertheless, the final reverse-time image should be the best, so we will use it as the baseline throughout the following examples.
