Signal-to-noise ratio(SNR) is a basic concept in seismic exploration.Model-based seismic
illumination analysis is an effective method to quantitatively describe the capability of reflection seismic exploration
in the design of a seismic observation system.However,few scholars have studied the quantitative relationship between SNR
and seismic illumination.Based on the study of traditional ray folds and energy illumination,the concept of seismic SNR
illumination was suggested in this paper.The relationships among seismic SNR illumination,folds,and energy illumination
were discussed.The influence of the SNR inconsistency on the folds and seismic imaging was analyzed.The functions of
SNR,ratio K,average SNR,and coefficient of variation of SNR in seismic acquisition and data processing were
discussed.Finally,tests on field data illustrated the effect of seismic SNR illumination on the evaluation of the
excitation effect and the design and demonstration of excitation folds of vibroseis.The basic idea of applying SNR
illumination to the design and optimization of an observation system was introduced.Folds,energy,and SNR were assumed to
be characteristics of seismic illumination.SNR of actual data can be used to compensate for the shortcomings of the folds
and energy illumination method.