Sensitivity kernal-based migration velocity analysis in 3D anisotropic media
First Claim
1. A seismic imaging method that comprises:
- migrating seismic survey data with an anisotropic velocity model to obtain common angle image gathers;
processing the common angle image gathers to obtain depth residuals along one or more horizons;
determining subsurface opening angle sensitivity kernels for the horizons independent of shot location and based on the anisotropic velocity model and a Green'"'"'s function at an image point;
inverting the depth residuals using the determined sensitivity kernels to obtain velocity errors;
applying updates to the velocity model based on the obtained velocity errors; and
displaying a representation of the survey region to a user based at least in part on the updated velocity model.
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Abstract
Seismic imaging systems and methods that employ sensitivity kernel-based migration velocity analysis in 3D anisotropic media may demonstrate increased stability and accuracy. Survey data analysts employing the disclosed systems and methods are expected to provide better images of the subsurface and be better able to identify reservoirs and deposits for commercial exploitation. Certain embodiments migrate seismic survey data with an anisotropic velocity model to obtain common angle image gathers. These gathers are processed to obtain depth residuals along one or more horizons. Angle-domain sensitivity kernels are used to convert the depth residuals into velocity errors, which are then used to refine the velocity model. A user is then able to view a representation of the subsurface structure determined in part from the refined velocity model. Multiple iterations may be needed for the velocity model to converge. The velocity model may be a layered to have constant velocity values between formation boundaries.
30 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A seismic imaging method that comprises:
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migrating seismic survey data with an anisotropic velocity model to obtain common angle image gathers; processing the common angle image gathers to obtain depth residuals along one or more horizons; determining subsurface opening angle sensitivity kernels for the horizons independent of shot location and based on the anisotropic velocity model and a Green'"'"'s function at an image point; inverting the depth residuals using the determined sensitivity kernels to obtain velocity errors; applying updates to the velocity model based on the obtained velocity errors; and displaying a representation of the survey region to a user based at least in part on the updated velocity model. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A seismic imaging system that comprises:
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at least one storage device that stores traces from a seismic survey of a given survey region; a memory that stores seismic imaging software; and at least one processor coupled to the memory to execute the seismic imaging software, wherein the software causes the at least one processor to; migrate seismic survey data with an anisotropic velocity model to obtain image gathers; process the image gathers to obtain depth residuals along one or more horizons; determine subsurface opening angle sensitivity kernels for the horizons independent of shot location and based on the anisotropic velocity model and a Green'"'"'s function at an image point; invert the depth residuals using the determined sensitivity kernels to obtain velocity errors; apply updates to the velocity model based on the obtained velocity errors; and display a representation of the survey region to a user based at least in part on the updated velocity model. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A seismic imaging method that comprises:
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migrating seismic data with an anisotropic velocity model to obtain image gathers; processing the image gathers to obtain depth residuals along one or more horizons; determining subsurface opening angle sensitivity kernels for the horizons independent of shot location and based on the anisotropic velocity model and a Green'"'"'s function at an image point; employing the determined sensitivity kernels to convert the depth residuals into velocity errors; applying updates to the velocity model based on the velocity errors; and displaying a representation of the survey region to a user based at least in part on the updated velocity model. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification