Resolution & Fresnel Zone Calculator

Calculate seismic resolution limits (vertical and lateral) and Fresnel zone dimensions at your target depth. Essential for understanding what features can be resolved and the lateral area illuminated by a seismic reflection.

Resolution Fresnel Zone Wavelength Detection Limit

Input Parameters

Target Properties

m
Vertical depth to reflector
m/s
Average velocity to target
Hz
Peak frequency of seismic data

Quick Scenarios

Results

Theory & References

Vertical Resolution

Rayleigh Criterion: λ/4

Minimum separation between two interfaces for them to be distinguished as separate events.

  • λ = V / f (wavelength = velocity / frequency)
  • Resolution ≈ λ/4 for zero-phase wavelets
  • Detection limit ≈ λ/30 (tuning thickness)

Key insight: Higher frequency = better resolution, but less penetration

Fresnel Zone

Radius: R = √(λ × depth / 2)

The area on a reflector from which reflected energy arrives within half a period of the first arrival.

  • Lateral resolution: Limited by Fresnel zone size
  • Migration effect: Collapses Fresnel zone, improves lateral resolution
  • Deeper targets: Larger Fresnel zones = poorer lateral resolution