William Harry Mayne is an American geophysicist who invented the common-depth-point (CDP) data stacking method of petroleum exploration in 1956. Mayne’s invention, also referred to as common midpoint or common reflection point, came to be the most used signal-to-noise-enhancing technique in seismic exploration. This technique greatly improved the ability of geologists to interpret information gained from seismic surveys, and thus improved the efficiency of the oil exploration process. The CDP method is still the basis for new techniques of subsurface analysis.

Upon graduation from the University of Texas in 1935, he was employed by Petty Geophysical Engineering Company in June, 1935, an association that has continued to this day, more than 30 years later. Harry Mayne held various field jobs with Petty varying from Assistant Observer to Observer, Observer-Field Manager in many areas ranging from Oklahoma and the Gulf Coast, the Venezuela, and Trinidad. In 1939 Harry transferred to the Petty Laboratories in San Antonio, Texas, where his field experiences were put to good end, resulting in the design, construction, and successful field use of new model amplifiers. Thus began the career of an inquisitive, resourceful individual who was always looking for better equipment to do a better job. Harry's present position as Vice-President, Technical Services, Petty Geophysical Engineering Company, reflects the continuing development and application of new ideas pertaining to the recording and utilization of seismic signals.

Sources

• Cleveland, Cutler (Lead Author); Peter Saundry (Topic Editor). 2008. "Mayne, William Harry." In: Encyclopedia of Earth. Eds. Cutler J. Cleveland (Washington, D.C.: Environmental Information Coalition, National Council for Science and the Environment). [First published in the Encyclopedia of Earth September 15, 2006; Last revised August 21, 2008; Retrieved July 13, 2009]. 
• Courtier, W.H., W. Harry Mayne, Society of Exploration Geophysicists Virtual Geoscience Center. [Last updated February 9, 2006. Accessed July 13, 2009].