Focusing analysis of seismic data with peg‐leg multiples

Geophysics ◽  
1997 ◽  
Vol 62 (1) ◽  
pp. 177-182
Author(s):  
Einar Maeland

Seismic migration with an erroneous velocity field produces an “image” that must be interpreted to obtain reliable velocity information. Inclusion of multiples in common‐shot data makes velocity estimation more difficult. Zero‐offset migration, based on the exploding reflector model, can be used to identify peg‐leg multiples by application of an extra time shift in the imaging condition. The time and the corresponding position when reflected energy focuses must be detected by inspection of the migrated data set. Formulas are derived and the method is tested on synthetic data from a multilayered medium.

Geophysics ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 75 (6) ◽  
pp. U49-U60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Biondo Biondi

Migration velocity can be estimated from seismic data by analyzing, focusing, and defocusing of residual-migrated images. The accuracy of these velocity estimates is limited by the inherent ambiguity between velocity and reflector curvature. However, velocity resolution improves when reflectors with different curvatures are present. Image focusing is measured by evaluating coherency across structural dips, in addition to coherency across aperture/azimuth angles. The inherent ambiguity between velocity and reflector curvature is directly tackled by introducing a curvature correction into the computation of the semblance functional that estimates image coherency. The resulting velocity estimator provides velocity estimates that are (1) unbiased by reflector curvature and (2) consistent with the velocity information that is routinely obtained by measuring coherency over aperture/azimuth angles. Applications to a 2D synthetic prestack data set and a 2D field prestack data set confirm that the proposed method provides consistent and unbiased velocity information. They also suggest that velocity estimates based on the new image-focusing semblance may be more robust and have higher resolution than estimates based on conventional semblance functionals. Applying the proposed method to zero-offset field data recorded in New York Harbor yields a velocity function that is consistent with available geologic information and clearly improves the focusing of the reflectors.


Geophysics ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 71 (6) ◽  
pp. S209-S217 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Sava ◽  
Sergey Fomel

Seismic imaging based on single-scattering approximation is in the analysis of the match between the source and receiver wavefields at every image location. Wavefields at depth are functions of space and time and are reconstructed from surface data either by integral methods (Kirchhoff migration) or by differential methods (reverse-time or wavefield extrapolation migration). Different methods can be used to analyze wavefield matching, of which crosscorrelation is a popular option. Implementation of a simple imaging condition requires time crosscorrelation of source and receiver wavefields, followed by extraction of the zero time lag. A generalized imaging condition operates by crosscorrelation in both space and time, followed by image extraction at zero time lag. Images at different spatial crosscorrelation lags are indicators of imaging accuracy and are also used for image-angle decomposition. In this paper, we introduce an alternative prestack imaging condition in which we preserve multiple lags of the time crosscorrelation. Prestack images are described as functions of time shifts as opposed to space shifts between source and receiver wavefields. This imaging condition is applicable to migration by Kirchhoff, wavefield extrapolation, or reverse-time techniques. The transformation allows construction of common-image gathers presented as functions of either time shift or reflection angle at every location in space. Inaccurate migration velocity is revealed by angle-domain common-image gathers with nonflat events. Computational experiments using a synthetic data set from a complex salt model demonstrate the main features of the method.


Geophysics ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 71 (5) ◽  
pp. U67-U76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert J. Ferguson

The possibility of improving regularization/datuming of seismic data is investigated by treating wavefield extrapolation as an inversion problem. Weighted, damped least squares is then used to produce the regularized/datumed wavefield. Regularization/datuming is extremely costly because of computing the Hessian, so an efficient approximation is introduced. Approximation is achieved by computing a limited number of diagonals in the operators involved. Real and synthetic data examples demonstrate the utility of this approach. For synthetic data, regularization/datuming is demonstrated for large extrapolation distances using a highly irregular recording array. Without approximation, regularization/datuming returns a regularized wavefield with reduced operator artifacts when compared to a nonregularizing method such as generalized phase shift plus interpolation (PSPI). Approximate regularization/datuming returns a regularized wavefield for approximately two orders of magnitude less in cost; but it is dip limited, though in a controllable way, compared to the full method. The Foothills structural data set, a freely available data set from the Rocky Mountains of Canada, demonstrates application to real data. The data have highly irregular sampling along the shot coordinate, and they suffer from significant near-surface effects. Approximate regularization/datuming returns common receiver data that are superior in appearance compared to conventional datuming.


Geophysics ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 71 (5) ◽  
pp. C81-C92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helene Hafslund Veire ◽  
Hilde Grude Borgos ◽  
Martin Landrø

Effects of pressure and fluid saturation can have the same degree of impact on seismic amplitudes and differential traveltimes in the reservoir interval; thus, they are often inseparable by analysis of a single stacked seismic data set. In such cases, time-lapse AVO analysis offers an opportunity to discriminate between the two effects. We quantify the uncertainty in estimations to utilize information about pressure- and saturation-related changes in reservoir modeling and simulation. One way of analyzing uncertainties is to formulate the problem in a Bayesian framework. Here, the solution of the problem will be represented by a probability density function (PDF), providing estimations of uncertainties as well as direct estimations of the properties. A stochastic model for estimation of pressure and saturation changes from time-lapse seismic AVO data is investigated within a Bayesian framework. Well-known rock physical relationships are used to set up a prior stochastic model. PP reflection coefficient differences are used to establish a likelihood model for linking reservoir variables and time-lapse seismic data. The methodology incorporates correlation between different variables of the model as well as spatial dependencies for each of the variables. In addition, information about possible bottlenecks causing large uncertainties in the estimations can be identified through sensitivity analysis of the system. The method has been tested on 1D synthetic data and on field time-lapse seismic AVO data from the Gullfaks Field in the North Sea.


Geophysics ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 82 (3) ◽  
pp. R199-R217 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xintao Chai ◽  
Shangxu Wang ◽  
Genyang Tang

Seismic data are nonstationary due to subsurface anelastic attenuation and dispersion effects. These effects, also referred to as the earth’s [Formula: see text]-filtering effects, can diminish seismic resolution. We previously developed a method of nonstationary sparse reflectivity inversion (NSRI) for resolution enhancement, which avoids the intrinsic instability associated with inverse [Formula: see text] filtering and generates superior [Formula: see text] compensation results. Applying NSRI to data sets that contain multiples (addressing surface-related multiples only) requires a demultiple preprocessing step because NSRI cannot distinguish primaries from multiples and will treat them as interference convolved with incorrect [Formula: see text] values. However, multiples contain information about subsurface properties. To use information carried by multiples, with the feedback model and NSRI theory, we adapt NSRI to the context of nonstationary seismic data with surface-related multiples. Consequently, not only are the benefits of NSRI (e.g., circumventing the intrinsic instability associated with inverse [Formula: see text] filtering) extended, but also multiples are considered. Our method is limited to be a 1D implementation. Theoretical and numerical analyses verify that given a wavelet, the input [Formula: see text] values primarily affect the inverted reflectivities and exert little effect on the estimated multiples; i.e., multiple estimation need not consider [Formula: see text] filtering effects explicitly. However, there are benefits for NSRI considering multiples. The periodicity and amplitude of the multiples imply the position of the reflectivities and amplitude of the wavelet. Multiples assist in overcoming scaling and shifting ambiguities of conventional problems in which multiples are not considered. Experiments using a 1D algorithm on a synthetic data set, the publicly available Pluto 1.5 data set, and a marine data set support the aforementioned findings and reveal the stability, capabilities, and limitations of the proposed method.


Geophysics ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 83 (4) ◽  
pp. M41-M48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hongwei Liu ◽  
Mustafa Naser Al-Ali

The ideal approach for continuous reservoir monitoring allows generation of fast and accurate images to cope with the massive data sets acquired for such a task. Conventionally, rigorous depth-oriented velocity-estimation methods are performed to produce sufficiently accurate velocity models. Unlike the traditional way, the target-oriented imaging technology based on the common-focus point (CFP) theory can be an alternative for continuous reservoir monitoring. The solution is based on a robust data-driven iterative operator updating strategy without deriving a detailed velocity model. The same focusing operator is applied on successive 3D seismic data sets for the first time to generate efficient and accurate 4D target-oriented seismic stacked images from time-lapse field seismic data sets acquired in a [Formula: see text] injection project in Saudi Arabia. Using the focusing operator, target-oriented prestack angle domain common-image gathers (ADCIGs) could be derived to perform amplitude-versus-angle analysis. To preserve the amplitude information in the ADCIGs, an amplitude-balancing factor is applied by embedding a synthetic data set using the real acquisition geometry to remove the geometry imprint artifact. Applying the CFP-based target-oriented imaging to time-lapse data sets revealed changes at the reservoir level in the poststack and prestack time-lapse signals, which is consistent with the [Formula: see text] injection history and rock physics.


2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. SJ81-SJ90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kainan Wang ◽  
Jesse Lomask ◽  
Felix Segovia

Well-log-to-seismic tying is a key step in many interpretation workflows for oil and gas exploration. Synthetic seismic traces from the wells are often manually tied to seismic data; this process can be very time consuming and, in some cases, inaccurate. Automatic methods, such as dynamic time warping (DTW), can match synthetic traces to seismic data. Although these methods are extremely fast, they tend to create interval velocities that are not geologically realistic. We have described the modification of DTW to create a blocked dynamic warping (BDW) method. BDW generates an automatic, optimal well tie that honors geologically consistent velocity constraints. Consequently, it results in updated velocities that are more realistic than other methods. BDW constrains the updated velocity to be constant or linearly variable inside each geologic layer. With an optimal correlation between synthetic seismograms and surface seismic data, this algorithm returns an automatically updated time-depth curve and an updated interval velocity model that still retains the original geologic velocity boundaries. In other words, the algorithm finds the optimal solution for tying the synthetic to the seismic data while restricting the interval velocity changes to coincide with the initial input blocking. We have determined the application of the BDW technique on a synthetic data example and field data set.


Geophysics ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 71 (5) ◽  
pp. D171-D182 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason E. Gumble ◽  
James E. Gaiser

Anisotropy and fracture characterization in individual layers is realized through iterative layer stripping corrections of four, converted-wave (PS-wave) synthetic reflection seismic data sets, generated from azimuthally anisotropic (HTI and TTI) models, and a four component (4-C) data set from the Teal South, Gulf of Mexico. The corrections were applied on a layer-by-layer basis to evaluate the efficacy of constant polarization rotation and time-shift operators. Equivalent isotropic models were compared to anisotropic models after layer-stripping corrections using rms amplitude and shear-wave-splitting time-difference maps to quantify and identify inherent errors in estimating seismic polarization parameters. For HTI media radial and transverse components of PS data that have had layer-stripping corrections applied, exhibit incorrect symmetry and orientations. This may adversely affect inversion and/or amplitude-variation with angle offset (AVO) and amplitude versus azimuth (AVA)analysis. Layer-stripping corrections applied to fast and slow ([Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively) components exhibit the correct symmetry and orientation. Time differences between PS1 and PS2 are computed using crosscorrelation. Previous studies have addressed some of the problems associated with layer-stripping corrections for the case of vertical fractures (HTI media) and poststack layer-stripping analyses. This study includes an equivalent model with dipping fractures (TTI media) and extends the scope to encompass the effects of anisotropy on prestack data. The results from an application of the same technique are also applied to a limited set of 4-C data from the Teal South project in the Gulf of Mexico. Results are consistent with those of previous studies involving solely poststack 4-C rotation analysis in terms of average, or zero offset, time differences and symmetry orientation. Offset and azimuth amplitude/traveltime variations, however, indicate that there is more information contained in prestack seismic data than 4-C rotation can comprehend.


Geophysics ◽  
1993 ◽  
Vol 58 (2) ◽  
pp. 240-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiang‐Yang Li ◽  
Stuart Crampin

Most published techniques for analyzing shear‐wave splitting tend to be computing intensive, and make assumptions, such as the orthogonality of the two split shear waves, which are not necessarily correct. We present a fast linear‐transform technique for analyzing shear‐wave splitting in four‐component (two sources/ two receivers) seismic data, which is flexible and widely applicable. We transform the four‐component data by simple linear transforms so that the complicated shear‐wave motion is linearized in a wide variety of circumstances. This allows various attributes to be measured, including the polarizations of faster split shear waves and the time delays between faster and slower split shear waves, as well as allowing the time series of the faster and slower split shear waves to be separated deterministically. In addition, with minimal assumptions, the geophone orientations can be estimated for zero‐offset verticle seismic profiles (VSPs), and the polarizations of the slower split shear waves can be measured for offset VSPs. The time series of the split shear‐waves can be separated before stack for reflection surveys. The technique has been successfully applied to a number of field VSPs and reflection data sets. Applications to a zero‐offset VSP, an offset VSP, and a reflection data set will be presented to illustrate the technique.


Geophysics ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 70 (3) ◽  
pp. U19-U27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul C. Sava ◽  
Biondo Biondi ◽  
John Etgen

We propose a method for estimating interval velocity using the kinematic information in defocused diffractions and reflections. We extract velocity information from defocused migrated events by analyzing their residual focusing in physical space (depth and midpoint) using prestack residual migration. The results of this residual-focusing analysis are fed to a linearized inversion procedure that produces interval velocity updates. Our inversion procedure uses a wavefield-continuation operator linking perturbations of interval velocities to perturbations of migrated images, based on the principles of wave-equation migration velocity analysis introduced in recent years. We measure the accuracy of the migration velocity using a diffraction-focusing criterion instead of the criterion of flatness of migrated common-image gathers that is commonly used in migration velocity analysis. This new criterion enables us to extract velocity information from events that would be challenging to use with conventional velocity analysis methods; thus, our method is a powerful complement to those conventional techniques. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology using two examples. In the first example, we estimate interval velocity above a rugose salt top interface by using only the information contained in defocused diffracted and reflected events present in zero-offset data. By comparing the results of full prestack depth migration before and after the velocity updating, we confirm that our analysis of the diffracted events improves the velocity model. In the second example, we estimate the migration velocity function for a 2D, zero-offset, ground-penetrating radar data set. Depth migration after the velocity estimation improves the continuity of reflectors while focusing the diffracted energy.


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