In a simple homogeneous Earth, three shear-wave (S-wave) images can be made from 9C3D seismic data. One image can be made from the SV mode, a second image can be made from the SH mode, and a third called the C-wave can be made from the "converted" SV mode created by P-to-SV mode conversion at subsurface interfaces. Only one S-wave image can be created from 3C3D data, that being a C-wave image. Independents who are interested in S-wave seismic technology need to be informed about the differences, similarities, advantages, and disadvantages of these three S-wave imaging options.

The objective of this study is to create all three S-wave data volumes (SV, SH, C) across the same prospect(s) and to document the relative merits of each S-wave seismic mode. This research does not require field work. The 9C3D and 3C3D