Multi-shot Wavefield Reconstruction for Seismic Imaging Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seismic data acquisition methods face challenges in accurately reconstructing subsurface images due to gaps in data caused by discrete seismic data collection, which results in poor quality imaging of the earth's structure, especially when ocean currents disrupt the alignment of streamers during marine seismic surveys.
Innovation Solution
The method involves allowing streamers to deviate from the inline direction during seismic surveys, using birds to counteract ocean currents, and acquiring seismic data over multiple shots to fill in gaps, employing multi-shot wavefield reconstruction algorithms that transform sparse data into continuous models for accurate data reconstruction at target locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If seismic data is collected using discrete streamer positions, then data acquisition is feasible with limited streamer deployment, but gaps in data coverage occur resulting in poor imaging quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends data acquisition from a single shot (2D spatial sampling) to multiple shots (adding temporal dimension). By collecting data from multiple source positions and reconstructing the wavefield at each position, the method fills gaps in the spatial coverage that would be present with a single streamer deployment configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines data from multiple shots and multiple receiver positions to reconstruct the wavefield. By merging information from different source-receiver geometries, the method compensates for gaps in any single measurement configuration and improves overall data coverage and imaging quality.
2Ease of operation
If streamers are kept aligned with the inline direction, then navigation and data organization are simplified, but ocean currents disrupt alignment causing data quality degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent allows streamers to deviate dynamically from the inline direction to adapt to ocean current conditions. Rather than maintaining fixed alignment, the system adjusts streamer orientation based on environmental factors, and the multi-shot reconstruction methodology compensates for the resulting geometric variations in data acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of ocean currents (which cause streamer misalignment) into an opportunity to gather data from diverse geometries. The multi-shot wavefield reconstruction methodology transforms the data that would otherwise be considered degraded or misaligned into valuable information that improves overall wavefield characterization when combined with other shots.
3Measurement precision
If only locally measured data is used for interpolation, then processing complexity is reduced, but accuracy of reconstructed data deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves from local spatial interpolation (using only nearby receivers) to multi-shot reconstruction that incorporates data from multiple source positions. This adds the shot dimension to the reconstruction process, allowing information from distant shots to contribute to filling local gaps, thereby improving accuracy beyond what local interpolation can achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal reconstruction framework that can use any available data from any shot position, rather than being limited to local data. The wavefield reconstruction algorithm serves multiple functions: it reconstructs missing data, corrects for geometric variations, and improves overall image quality by integrating information from the entire dataset across all shots.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for reconstructing seismic data. The method includes receiving at a computing device an input seismic data set d related to plural shots emitted by one or more seismic sources; receiving at the computing device a positional data set dp relating to recording locations of the receivers that recorded the input seismic data set d; receiving at the computing device a receiver target location; calculating an adjusted receiver location based on (i) the positional data set dp and (ii) the receiver target location, wherein the adjusted receiver location substantially coincides with a receiver location from the positional data set dp; calculating reconstructed seismic data dr at the adjusted receiver location using the input seismic data set d and the positional data set dp; and correcting the seismic wave paths from the one or more seismic sources to the receivers based on the reconstructed seismic data dr.