Method and system for modeling anomalous density zones in geophysical exploration

Abstract

A method for modeling a subsurface anomalous density zone including the steps of forming a density model, computing a response to the density model, inverting the response to arrive at a geometric model of the anomalous density zone, and applying a sharpening function to boundary regions of the geometric model to distinguish between the anomalous density zone and a surrounding region.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Patent Application 61 / 380,034, filed September 3, 2010, which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety. technical field [0003] The present invention relates to the fields of geophysical exploration and earth modeling, and more particularly to methods and systems for earth modeling using improved and / or modified inversion techniques. Background technique [0004] Prospecting for oil and / or minerals in subterranean environments has traditionally been performed by seismic imaging techniques that are now well known in the art. In some applications, particularly where regions of anomalous density or salt are present, seismic techniques alone cannot provide suitable images because the regions surrounding or beneath these regions cannot be clearly modeled. One particular example of a region of anomalous density is a salt matrix, such as that found i...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

The difficulty with extensive reliance on inversion data is that the resulting density models are not idiosyncratic and can lead to poor understanding of geological boundaries

[0006] In addition, inversion techniques are often complex and require considerable hardware processing time and resources

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