Reading and Writing SU Format Files in MATLAB with Code Implementation

In MATLAB, we can utilize SU format files for reading and storing seismic data. SU format is a file specification based on the Seismic Unix software development, widely adopted in seismology research. SU format files typically contain seismic data traces, sample interval information, trace header metadata, and other geophysical parameters. The SU file I/O toolbox in MATLAB provides a comprehensive set of functions for efficient handling of SU format files. Key functions include su_read() for loading seismic data with header information, su_write() for exporting processed data, and specialized utilities for accessing trace headers and metadata fields. Implementation typically involves parsing binary headers using fixed-width formats, handling endianness conversions, and managing large seismic datasets through memory-efficient streaming approaches. This MATLAB-based seismic data processing enables seismologists to perform advanced analysis, including signal processing algorithms like filtering, deconvolution, and migration techniques, while maintaining compatibility with industry-standard SU formats. The toolbox supports both 2D and 3D seismic datasets, with optimized memory management for handling large-scale exploration data.