→Quality factor, Q: The reverse is true, acording e.g. to J. Geophys. Eng. 10 (2013) 045012 (8pp) doi:10.1088/1742-2132/10/4/045012 Attenuation (1/Q) estimation in reflection seismic records Wasiu Raji1,2 and Andreas Rietbrock2
In [[reflection seismology]], the '''anelastic attenuation factor''',often expressed asor '''seismic quality factor''', oroften expressed as the '''Q factor''' (whichwhere ishigher inverselyQ proportionalmeans toless attenuationenergy factorloss), quantifiesmeasures thehow effects[[Seismic ofwave|seismic waves]] weaken due to anelastic [[attenuation]]—the onloss the [[seismicof wave]]let energy that eventually ends up as heat, caused by fluid movement and grainfriction boundarywithin frictionthe Earth’s subsurface. As a seismic wave propagatestravels through a medium,thelike [[elasticrock, wave|elastic]]this energy associated with the wave isabsorption gradually absorbedreduces byits the medium, eventually ending up as [[heat energy]]. This is known as [[Absorption (electromagnetic radiation)|absorption]] (or anelastic attenuation)strength and willcan eventually causemake theit totaldisappear disappearance of the seismic wavecompletely.<ref>Toksoz, W.M., & Johnston, D.H. 1981. Seismic Wave Attenuation. SEG.</ref> The Q factor helps geophysicists understand these effects on seismic signals, aiding in the study of underground structures.
==Quality factor, ''Q''==
''Q'' is defined as
:<math>Q = 2{\pi}\left ( \frac{E}{{\delta}E} \right )</math> It looks like reverse is true - see e.g.J. Geophys. Eng. 10 (2013) 045012 (8pp) doi:10.1088/1742-2132/10/4/045012
Attenuation (1/Q) estimation in reflection seismic records
Wasiu Raji1,2 and Andreas Rietbrock2
where <math>\frac{{\delta}E}{E}</math> is the fraction of energy lost per cycle.<ref>Sheriff, R. E., Geldart, L. P., (1995), 2nd Edition. ''Exploration Seismology''. Cambridge University Press.</ref>
