Dynamic 3D Earth Models for Marine Seismic Modeling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 4D seismic methods assume a uniform and unchanging water velocity in the marine seismic survey, which fails to account for dynamic changes in temperature and salinity, leading to inaccurate seismic data interpretation and decreased signal-to-noise ratio, especially in time-lapse seismic analysis used for hydrocarbon reservoir monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A method for seismic modeling that uses a 4D water velocity library and high-performance computing to create dynamic 3D earth models, simulating seismic shots and generating 4D seismic shot gathers, accounting for varying water velocities in the marine seismic survey, allowing for more accurate subsurface imaging and hydrocarbon reservoir identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional 4D seismic methods assume uniform and unchanging water velocity, then the processing and interpretation become simpler, but the accuracy of seismic data interpretation decreases due to dynamic changes in temperature and salinity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from static water velocity assumptions to dynamic water velocity modeling. The system creates time-varying 3D earth models that account for changing temperature and salinity conditions in the water column throughout the survey period, allowing seismic processing to adapt to actual environmental conditions rather than assuming uniform velocity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by incorporating 4D water velocity libraries that capture temporal variations in water column properties. The system uses measured temperature and salinity data to generate time-dependent velocity models, transforming the processing from using fixed velocity parameters to using dynamically changing velocity parameters that reflect actual oceanographic conditions
2Measurement precision
If dynamic water velocities are accounted for in seismic modeling, then the accuracy of hydrocarbon reservoir monitoring improves, but the computational cost and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-computing and storing 4D water velocity libraries before the main seismic processing. Temperature and salinity measurements are collected and processed in advance to create lookup tables of water column velocity models, so that during seismic processing, the system can efficiently retrieve and apply pre-characterized velocity conditions rather than computing them in real-time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements segmentation by dividing the seismic survey into multiple time segments or shots, each with its own specific water velocity conditions. The system processes each shot gather independently using the appropriate velocity model from the 4D library, allowing parallel processing and efficient utilization of computational resources across multiple processing nodes
3Manufacturing precision
If dynamic water velocities are modeled using traditional methods, then the seismic imaging accuracy improves, but the computational resources required increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by creating synthetic seismic shot gathers that replicate the expected seismic responses under various water velocity conditions. Instead of running full-scale dynamic velocity modeling for every possible scenario, the system generates representative synthetic examples from the 4D velocity library and uses these copies to guide the actual processing, reducing computational burden while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the raw seismic data and the final imaging process. The 4D water velocity library acts as a mediator that translates complex oceanographic measurements into simplified velocity models that can be efficiently applied during seismic processing, bridging the gap between detailed environmental monitoring and practical seismic imaging requirements
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 significantly improves the accuracy of seismic data interpretation by accounting for dynamic water velocities, enhancing the reliability of hydrocarbon reservoir monitoring and production decisions, and reducing computational costs by enabling simultaneous simulation of multiple shots on a single node.
Implementation Method 1
The sources generate seismic waves, which propagate into the geological medium creating pressure changes and vibrations
Implementation Method 2
differences in temperature and salinity throughout the water column impact the velocity of seismic waves, not only affecting their traveltime but also redirecting (i.e. bending) them
Data Source
AI summary
A method is described for seismic modeling implemented on a computer system including multiple computer nodes, which includes receiving, at a computer processor, a 4D speed of sound in water library and a marine seismic survey geometry; creating, via the computer processor, a full survey 3D Earth model for each seismic shot time based on the 4D speed of sound in water library to generate a set of dynamic 3D Earth models; simulating 4D seismic shots for the set of dynamic 3D Earth models by simulating multiple shots on each node to generate a set of 4D seismic shot gathers; and outputting the 4D seismic shot gathers.