Anisotropy Analysis Using Direct and Reflected Seismic Arrivals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional Vertical Seismic Profiling (VSP) surveys fail to fully exploit anisotropy information from reflected arrivals, limiting the accuracy and efficiency of subsurface structure analysis.
Innovation Solution
Simultaneous inversion of direct and reflected arrival data is performed to determine anisotropy parameters, specifically Thomsen parameters epsilon (ε) and delta (δ), for a vertical transversely isotropic (VTI) model, enhancing traveltime sensitivity and resolution by incorporating reflected arrival data into the analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional VSP surveys use only direct arrivals for inversion, then the analysis process is simpler, but the anisotropy parameter resolution is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines direct arrivals and reflected arrivals into a unified inversion process. By merging these two data types, the method充分利用 the information content of both wave types to improve anisotropy parameter resolution, while managing the increased complexity through systematic inversion techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the inversion from one dimension (direct arrivals only) to another dimension by incorporating reflected arrivals. This dimensional expansion adds traveltime sensitivity to the inversion, enabling better constraint of anisotropy parameters through the additional information provided by reflected waves.
2Measurement precision
If reflected arrival data is incorporated into the inversion, then traveltime sensitivity and anisotropy parameter resolution improve, but the computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing of reflected arrival data to extract traveltime information before the main inversion process. This preliminary action prepares the data in advance, reducing the computational burden during the actual inversion and making the complex process more manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The inversion process uses feedback from both direct and reflected arrivals to iteratively refine anisotropy parameter estimates. The reflected arrivals provide additional feedback on traveltime sensitivity, allowing the inversion to converge to more accurate solutions through systematic refinement.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach improves survey efficiency and accuracy by providing better resolution of anisotropy parameters, reducing uncertainty, and constraining anisotropy estimation, especially in layered media, by leveraging the increased sensitivity of reflected arrivals.
Implementation Method 1
seismic receivers to collect seismic survey data, including direct and reflected arrival data in response to shots from at least one seismic source at different offsets
Implementation Method 2
an inversion is performed using the direct and reflected arrival data simultaneously to determine anisotropy parameters... enhancing traveltime sensitivity and resolution
Data Source
AI summary
A seismic data analysis system includes seismic receivers to collect seismic survey data, wherein the seismic survey data includes direct and reflected arrival data in response to at least one seismic source fired at different shot offsets. The system also includes memory that stores the collected seismic survey data. The system also includes a processing unit that extracts traveltimes for direct and reflected arrivals from the seismic survey data and performs an inversion using the direct and reflected arrival traveltimes simultaneously to determine anisotropy parameters, including Thomsen parameters, epsilon (ε) and delta (δ), for at least one layer of a vertical transversely isotropic (VTI) model.