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September 11th DGS Luncheon- Chuck Diggins “Rethinking Refraction Theory”

by | Sep 11, 2025 | Luncheon

Date/Time
Date(s) - 09/11/2025
11:30 am - 1:15 pm

Location
Wynkoop Brewing Company

Categories


 

“Rethinking Refraction Theory”

Chuck Diggins, Geophysicist and Founder, Maverick Geophysics, LLC.

 

Traditional refraction analysis mistakenly attributes seismic first breaks solely to refractors.  However, these first breaks represent a combination of shallow anomalies superimposed on refracted arrivals. This mix leads to inaccurate tomographic models and statics, which are then used as near-surface corrections in depth migration and as initial models for full waveform inversion (FWI).

In contrast, A More General Refraction Theory (AMGRT) proposes that first-break picks comprise two distinct components: a superficial, short-wavelength, surface-consistent component and a deeper, long-wavelength refracting component. Using seismic data from the Anadarko Basin, we demonstrate how to separate these components. Statics for shots and receivers are derived from the superficial component, while long-wavelength statics are calculated from a tomographic model constructed using the refracted component. The two sets of statics are then combined, and the data are stacked, showcasing the effectiveness of AMGRT.

Speaker Bio

Chuck Diggins has BAs in Spanish and Anthropology from Penn State and an MS in Marine Geophysics from University of Delaware.
1.  He was hired in 1978 by Ken Larner to join the Western Geophysical’s research group in Houston. In 1980 he and Dan Wisecup started Western’s research group in Denver.   Chuck joined Western’s Research Group in London from 1988-1991.
2.  In 1992 Chuck joined Green Mountain Geophysics in Boulder as Vice President of Software Development and helped develop their 3D refraction statics software.
3.  In 1996 Chuck and Matt Duiker founded Maverick Geophysics, LLC.  They developed STRATUS refraction statics system.  MavGeo was subsequently acquired by PGS in 1998.
4.  In 2003, Chuck left PGS to join Renegade Geophysics LLC as senior partner.
5.  In August 2007 Fusion Petroleum Technologies Inc acquired Renegade.  Chuck and Mihai Popovici were Fusion’s Chief Geophysicists.
6.  In 2014-2016, Chuck served as Center Manager for Sterling Seismic Services – Houston.
7.  In 2016, DUG hired Chuck as Principal Geophysicist, working out of Boulder but responsible for near-surface seismic worldwide.  In 2024, Chuck developed “A More General Refraction Theory.”
8.  In 2025, Chuck departed DUG and resurrected Maverick Geophysics, LLC.  They are implementing near-surface technology to complement LandFWI.

Chuck lives with his wife, Yvonne,  atop Davidson Mesa in Louisville, Colorado.

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