Method for combining pressure and motion seismic signals from streamers where sensors are not at a common depth

• US 7,616,523 B1
• Filed: 11/13/2008
• Issued: 11/10/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 10/22/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: PGS Geophysical As (PGS ASA)
• Original Assignee: PGS Geophysical As (PGS ASA)
• Inventors: Carlson, David Helmer, Tabti, Hocine
• Primary Examiner(s): Lobo; Ian J
• Application Number:
  US12/291,710
• Time in Patent Office: 362 Days
• Field of Search: 367/21, 367/24
• US Class Current: 367/24
• CPC Class Codes: G01V 1/3808 Seismic data acquisition, e.g. survey design

Abstract

A method for using signals measured by pressure responsive seismic sensors and motion responsive seismic sensors disposed in a seismic cable includes simulating a selected range frequency response of the motion responsive sensor signals for each of a plurality of selected depths in a body of water. For each sensor position along the streamer, the one of the simulated selected frequency range responses is selected for which the selected depth most closely matches an actual sensor depth. The selected simulated selected range frequency responses are combined with the measured motion responsive sensor signals to produce full bandwidth motion responsive signals. The full bandwidth signals are combined with the pressure responsive signals to determine at least one of an upgoing and downgoing pressure or motion wavefield.

Claims

1. A method for using signals measured by pressure responsive seismic sensors and motion responsive seismic sensors disposed at spaced apart positions along a seismic cable, the method comprising:

simulating a selected frequency range response of the motion responsive sensor signals for each of a plurality of selected depths in a body of water;

choosing, for each sensor position along the streamer, the one of the simulated selected frequency range responses for which the selected depth most closely matches an actual sensor depth;

combining the chosen simulated selected frequency range responses with the measured motion responsive signals to provide full bandwidth motion responsive sensor signals; and

using the full bandwidth motion responsive signals and the pressure responsive seismic signals to determine at least one of an upgoing and downgoing component of a pressure or motion wavefield.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising separating upgoing and downgoing components of the measured pressure and motion responsive signals using the combined simulated low frequency responses and the measured motion responsive and pressure responsive seismic signals.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the selected depths are within a range defined by a greatest and a smallest depth of the sensors on the streamer when disposed in a body of water.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the range is divided into selected increments.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the cable is towed in a body of water.

6. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

extrapolating separated upgoing and downgoing wavefields to each of a plurality of selected depths in the body of water;

for each of the sensor positions along the streamer, selecting the one of the extrapolated wavefields at a depth that most closely matches the actual sensor depth.

7. A method for seismic surveying, comprising:

towing at least one streamer having a plurality of spaced apart pressure responsive sensors and motion responsive sensors in a body of water;

at selected times actuating a seismic energy source in the water;

detecting signals from each of the sensors in response to the acutations of the source;

simulating a selected frequency range response of the motion responsive sensor signals for each of a plurality of selected depths in the body of water;

choosing, for each sensor position along the at least one streamer, the one of the simulated selected frequency range responses for which the selected depth most closely matches an actual sensor depth;

combining the chosen simulated selected frequency range responses with the detected motion responsive signals to provide full bandwidth motion responsive sensor signals; and

using the full bandwidth motion responsive signals and the detected pressure responsive seismic signals to determine at least one of an upgoing and downgoing component of a pressure or motion wavefield.

8. The method of claim 7 further comprising separating upgoing and downgoing components of the measured pressure and motion responsive signals using the combined simulated low frequency responses and the measured motion responsive and pressure responsive seismic signals.

9. The method of claim 7 wherein the selected depths are within a range defined by a greatest and a smallest depth of the sensors on the streamer when disposed in a body of water.

10. The method of claim 7 wherein the range is divided into selected increments.

11. The method of claim 7 further comprising:

extrapolating separated upgoing and downgoing wavefields to each of a plurality of selected depths in the body of water;

for each of the sensor positions along the streamer, selecting the one of the extrapolated wavefields at a depth that most closely matches the actual sensor depth.