Abstract:This paper proposes a compensation method for shot image in reverse time migration (RTM) with the use of two-way wave illuminations (source and receiver illuminations). The method overcomes not only insufficient lighting by one-way wave equation, but also corrects effectively amplitude distortion caused by velocity variation. Both a theoretical model test and seismic data applications in the Amu Darya area prove that the proposed method can well correct amplitude distortion caused by dramatic velocity variation. Using this method, underlain carbonate rocks under a stratigraphic structure called "two rock salts sandwiched in three gypsum layers" (the stratigraphic order is the upper gypsum layer, the upper rock salt, the intermediate gypsum layers, the lower rock salt, the lower gypsum layer from top to bottom) are well imaged on seismic sections in the Amu Darya area.