Methods and systems for least-squares wave-equation kirchhoff migration using wave propagation

The least-squares wave-equation Kirchhoff migration method addresses the limitations of conventional seismic imaging by using a full wave-equation and finite difference algorithms to enhance accuracy and efficiency in representing complex subsurface structures.

WO2026089904A1 Publication Date: 2026-04-30BP CORP NORTH AMERICA INC
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/US2025/049990
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-10-24
Filing Date
2025-10-08
Publication Date
2026-04-30

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional seismic imaging techniques, such as Kirchhoff migration, struggle with accurately representing complex subsurface structures due to incomplete capture of seismic wave arrivals and computational inefficiencies, leading to inaccurate and time-consuming image generation.

Method used

Implementing a least-squares wave-equation Kirchhoff migration method that utilizes a full wave-equation and finite difference algorithms for reverse-time demigration, accounting for all seismic wave arrivals and improving computational efficiency by eliminating the need for adjoint operators.

Benefits of technology

This approach produces more accurate and complete seismic images by incorporating full wave arrivals, reducing computational demands and enhancing the resolution and reliability of subsurface representations.

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Abstract

A computer-implemented method for determining modeled seismic data of a subsurface region includes receiving observed seismic data from the subsurface region captured by one or more seismic receivers as one or more reflected seismic signals; determining, based on a velocity model of the subsurface region and the observed seismic data, a traveltime function associated with the subsurface region; migrating, using the traveltime function and a Kirchhoff migration operator, the observed seismic data to produce a migrated seismic image; and performing reverse-time demigration on the migrated seismic image, using the velocity model and a solved full wave-equation, to produce modeled seismic data.
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