conclusion

By acknowledging the influence of anisotropy on seismic data, we have roughly estimated the anisotropic parameter $\eta$. This parameter, if accurately estimated, can be used to discriminate between shales and sands in the subsurface. Obtaining such information from surface seismic P-wave data has important implications for deep water surveys, where the cost of drilling wells is large. This technique does not require expensive or unusual acquisition procedures--the only requirement is a new look at existing data using refined processing techniques that incorporate real geologic parameters.