Wide tow enabled by multicomponent marine seismic cable

Abstract

A technique for use in towed-array, marine seismic surveys includes a method and an apparatus. The method includes accessing a set of multicomponent seismic data acquired in a wide tow, marine seismic survey; and interpolating a set of seismic data from the acquired seismic data in the crossline direction such that the combined acquired and interpolated seismic data meet the discrete spatial sampling theory requirements for array detection of broadside seismic signal and the discrimination and suppression of broadside linear noise. In some aspects, the technique includes programmed storage media and / or programmed computers for use in executing such a method. The apparatus is a wide tow array, including a plurality of streamers spaced apart by a cable separation exceeding the maximum cable spacing for array detection of broadside seismic signal and the discrimination and suppression of broadside linear noise as determined by discrete spatial sampling theory.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention pertains to marine seismic surveying and, in particular, to towed-array surveys.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Seismic exploration involves surveying subterranean geological formations for hydrocarbon deposits. A survey typically involves deploying acoustic source(s) and acoustic sensors at predetermined locations. The sources impart acoustic waves into the geological formations. The acoustic waves are sometime also referred to as “pressure waves” because of the way they propagate. Features of the geological formation reflect the pressure waves to the sensors. The sensors receive the reflected waves, which are detected, conditioned, and processed to generate seismic data. Analysis of the seismic data can then indicate probable locations of the hydrocarbon deposits.[0005]Some surveys are known as “marine” surveys because they are conducted in marine environments. Note that marine surve...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]The invention includes, in its many aspects and embodiments, a method and apparatus for use in towed-array, marine seismic surveys. More particularly, the method comprises: accessing a set of multicomponent seismic data acquired in a wide tow, marine seismic survey; and interpolating a set of seismic data from the acquired seismic data in the crossline direction such that the combined acquired and interpolated seismic data meet the discrete spatial sampling theory requirements for array detection of broadside seismic signal and the discrimination and suppression of broadside linear noise. In some aspects, the invention includes programmed storage media and / or programmed computers for use in executing such a method. The apparatus is a wide tow array, comprising a plurality of streamers spaced apart by a cable separation exceeding the maximum cable spacing for array detection of broadside seismic signal and the discrimination and suppression of broadside linear noise as determined by discrete spatial sampling theory.

Problems solved by technology

The maximum cable separation, in turn, imposes a limit on overall cross-line receiver array coverage, since the total number of seismic cables is constrained by the towing capacity of any given seismic vessel.

For instance, it limits the maximum spread of the array, which increases the number of passes the survey vessel and towed array must make to cover the survey array.

This increases the cost of the survey.

It also imposes technological constraints on the survey.

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