Marine Seismic Source Parameter Adaptation for Attenuated Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Marine geophysical surveys face challenges due to attenuation of seismic signals by geological structures such as shallow gas pockets, carbonate plateaus, and volcanic intrusions, which hinder effective imaging of underlying geology.
Innovation Solution
The use of adjustable seismic source parameters, including digital codes of different lengths, varying the number of sources, shot-point intervals, and source amplitudes, to tailor the frequency content and improve signal illumination in specific survey areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If standard seismic source parameters are used, then survey operations can be conducted uniformly across different areas, but signal attenuation by geological structures causes poor imaging quality in specific challenging areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the seismic source parameters adjustable and variable during survey operations. The control system dynamically modifies source output parameters (amplitude, frequency, shot-point intervals) based on real-time identification of geological structures and attenuation characteristics, allowing the system to adapt to different survey areas rather than using fixed parameters throughout
Solution Approach 2:
The patent directly implements parameter changes by modifying seismic source output characteristics including amplitude, frequency content, and shot-point intervals. The system identifies areas with signal attenuation and adjusts parameters such as increasing source amplitude or changing frequency content to compensate for attenuation effects, thereby improving imaging quality in challenging geological areas
2Manufacturing precision
If source parameters are increased to compensate for signal attenuation, then imaging quality improves in challenging areas, but environmental impact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing spatially selective parameter adjustments. The control system identifies specific survey areas experiencing signal attenuation and applies enhanced source parameters (higher amplitude, different frequency) only to those localized areas, while maintaining standard parameters in areas without attenuation problems, thereby improving resolution where needed without unnecessarily increasing environmental impact across the entire survey area
Solution Approach 2:
The system skips areas without attenuation issues by maintaining standard operational parameters in those regions, only activating enhanced parameters when and where attenuation is detected. This selective approach allows the survey to rush through unaffected areas efficiently while dedicating enhanced resources only to challenging geological zones
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple source parameters are adjusted to target specific geological structures, then signal illumination improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the identified geological structure information and attenuation characteristics as input to the control system, which then automatically adjusts source parameters in response. The system continuously monitors survey conditions and modifies parameters based on this feedback loop, improving signal illumination through automated parameter optimization rather than manual complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs self-service by autonomously determining the appropriate source parameters based on the identified geological structures and attenuation patterns. The system self-adjusts amplitude, frequency, and shot-point intervals without requiring external intervention, thereby improving signal illumination while keeping the operational interface simple
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 enhances the imaging of geological formations by compensating for signal attenuation and improving survey resolution, particularly in areas with challenging geological structures, while minimizing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
tows a first vibratory signal source and drives the first vibratory signal source using a first value of an output parameter
Implementation Method 2
Acoustic waves generated by the source(s) may be transmitted to the earth's crust and then reflected back and captured at the sensors
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are disclosed relating to marine geophysical surveys. Various output characteristics of a vibratory source may be modified based on whether a source is targeting an identified portion of a survey area. The portion of the survey area may be detected during the survey or may be pre-identified. In some embodiments, a survey system drives a vibratory source using digital codes having different lengths based on whether the source is targeting an identified portion of a survey area. The disclosed techniques may improve imaging of geology under certain types of formations or may reduce environmental impact, in various embodiments.