attenuation | Energy Glossary

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attenuation

1. n. [Geophysics]

The loss of energy or amplitude of waves as they pass through media. Seismic waves lose energy through absorption, reflection, and refraction at interfaces; mode conversion and spherical divergence; or spreading of the wave.

Alternate Form: attenuate

See: amplitudeconverted waveFresnel zoneQsuppressiontrue-amplitude recoverywave

2. n. [Formation Evaluation]

The reduction in amplitude of an electromagnetic wave passing through the formation, usually measured in decibels per meter, dB/m. The term is used in particular with reference to the propagation resistivity log and the electromagnetic propagation log.

See: attenuation resistivitydecibelelectromagnetic propagation measurementpropagation resistivity measurement