attenuation | Energy Glossary

Explore the Energy Glossary

Look up terms beginning with:

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 related terms: 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 related terms: attenuation resistivitydecibelelectromagnetic propagation measurementpropagation resistivity measurement