AUTHORIZATION


     The undersigned,  Herbert M. Pearlman hereby  authorizes Marcia Kendrick to
execute  any Form 3,  Form 4, or Form 5 to be  filed  with  the  Securities  and
Exchange  Commission with respect to Seitel,  Inc. for a period of one year from
the date hereof.

Date:  August 1, 2000



                                                  /s/ Herbert M. Pearlman
                                                  ------------------------------
                                                  Herbert M. Pearlman