Seismic Data Deghosting Using Remote Wave Height Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Marine seismic surveying is hindered by ghost data, which reduces the accuracy of subsurface structure representation due to reflections from the air-water interface, and existing methods fail to effectively compensate for changing wave heights and sensor depths, leading to noise and blurring in seismic images.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves remotely measuring and characterizing time-varying wave heights during seismic surveys to deghost seismic data, using this information to correct for ghost effects and improve data quality by accounting for varying sensor depths and wave-induced noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If seismic surveys are conducted in marine environments, then subsurface exploration capability is enabled, but ghost data from air-water interface reflections reduces measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent measures wave height using radar (a beneficial remote sensing technique) and uses this information to characterize and remove ghost data. By converting the harmful ghost reflections into characterizable signals through wave height measurement, the system transforms the problem into a solvable one where ghost data can be selectively eliminated while preserving primary seismic signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of wave height measurement from static to dynamic/time-varying. By continuously measuring wave height during the survey and using these time-varying measurements to characterize ghost data, the system adapts to changing sea conditions and maintains measurement precision despite varying environmental parameters.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wave height varies during seismic survey, then real-world sea conditions are captured, but sensor depth changes cause noise and blurring in seismic images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback loop where wave height is continuously measured during the survey, and these measurements are fed back to characterize and correct ghost data in real-time. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain image clarity by continuously adapting to changing wave conditions and compensating for sensor depth variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary wave height measurement and characterization before full seismic data processing. By measuring wave height and characterizing ghost data effects in advance, the system prepares correction parameters that can be applied during subsequent processing steps, preventing noise and blurring rather than merely correcting them afterward.
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 accuracy of seismic data by reducing ghost-related noise and improving the clarity of subsurface imaging, even in rough sea conditions, allowing for more reliable hydrocarbon exploration and production monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
a remote measurement of the wave height during the survey
Data Source
AI summary
A method comprising for deghosting seismic data is disclosed. The method includes the steps of acquiring seismic data by conducting a survey of a subsurface area of interest wherein the seismic data includes ghost data and estimating a time-varying wave height above the subsurface area of interest during at least a portion of the survey, wherein the estimation of the wave height is based at least in part on a remote measurement of the wave height during the survey. The estimated time-varying wave height is used to characterize the ghost data and deghost the seismic data based at least in part on the characterized ghost data.