Extracting Shear Mode Data from P-Wave Seismic Records
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seismic exploration methods require multiple orthogonal seismic sources to acquire full elastic-wavefield data, which is costly, complex, and limited by environmental and terrain constraints, especially in areas like swamps, mountains, and urban regions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for processing seismic data using a single vertical-force source, allowing for the acquisition and processing of P, SV, and SH modes, enabling the generation of shear mode images without the need for multiple sources, thus simplifying data acquisition and expanding operational flexibility across various terrains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple orthogonal seismic sources are used to acquire full elastic-wavefield data, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and acquisition cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and utilizes only the vertical component of seismic wave motion recorded by single-component geophones, separating SV shear wave data from P-wave data through processing. This allows full elastic-wavefield information to be obtained from a simplified single-source configuration rather than requiring multiple orthogonal sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The single vertical-force source is designed to generate both P-waves and SV shear waves simultaneously, making it a multi-functional source that replaces the need for separate sources for different wave modes. The vertical geophone also serves dual purposes by recording both P-wave and SV wave components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple orthogonal seismic sources are deployed, then data acquisition capability is improved, but ease of operation and deployment difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the seismic data into distinct P-wave and SV-wave components through processing, allowing each wave type to be analyzed separately. This segmentation enables the use of a single source configuration while maintaining the ability to acquire comprehensive elastic-wavefield data through computational separation rather than physical complexity.
3Measurement precision
If full elastic-wavefield data are acquired using three orthogonal sources, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and acquisition cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single vertical-force source continuously generates both P-wave and SV-wave energy that propagate through the subsurface and return to the surface as upgoing waves. The vertical geophone continuously records both wave types throughout the seismic event, eliminating the need for sequential recording from multiple sources and thus reducing total acquisition time while maintaining complete wave mode information.
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 reduces acquisition costs and time, allows data collection in challenging environments, and provides a wider range of seismic sources, enhancing the capability to image subsurface geology with improved efficiency and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
One source applies a vertical force vector to the Earth, a second source applies a horizontal force vector in the inline (X) direction, and a third source applies a second horizontal force vector in the crossline (Y) direction.
Implementation Method 2
Vertical, single-component, surface-based geophones are used for the purpose of acquiring P-wave seismic data
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of processing seismic data obtained using a surface-based receiver configured to measure vertical movement of the Earth includes retrieving seismic data from a storage device, the seismic data comprising P-P data and shear mode data. The P-P data and shear mode data were both received at a surface-based receiver configured to measure vertical movement of the Earth to generate the seismic data. The system and method further include processing the seismic data to extract the shear mode data and generating a shear mode image based on the extracted shear mode data.