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: amplitude, converted wave, Fresnel zone, Q, suppression, true-amplitude recovery, wave
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 resistivity, decibel, electromagnetic propagation measurement, propagation resistivity measurement