Seismic scattering attenuation estimates for the German KTB area derived from well-log statistics

We applied a recently developed scattering attenuation theory to model Q-va lues measured at the German KTB site and found that scattering attenuation plays an important role in the upper crust in this area. This does not conf orm with previous studies that suggest absorption mechanisms as the main re ason for the attenuation. The scattering attenuation model used is based on the wave propagation theory in random media and allows quantification of s cattering attenuation in complex geological regions using simple statistica l estimates from well-log data. For our estimates of scattering Q we used s tatistical models of heterogeneities obtained from KTB logs. A good agreeme nt between the magnitude of scattering attenuation and the measured Q-value s shows the necessity of evaluating the role of scattering in seismic atten uation phenomena.