Seismic Velocity Determination via Path Tracing Algorithm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seismic processing methods face challenges in accurately determining stacking velocities, particularly in complex subsurface geologies with large velocity heterogeneities, leading to incomplete or inaccurate subsurface imaging.
Innovation Solution
A path tracing algorithm is employed to automatically determine stacking velocities by recursively calculating an accumulated amplitude array and tracing a path within velocity semblance values, using constraints to ensure smoothness and accuracy, thereby generating a reliable velocity model for seismic data processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional seismic processing methods are used to determine stacking velocities, then the processing can be completed with conventional algorithms, but the accuracy of velocity determination deteriorates in complex subsurface geologies with large velocity heterogeneities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of velocity determination by transitioning from traditional hyperbolic moveout assumptions to ray-theoretical travel time calculations. The path tracing algorithm uses accumulated amplitude arrays and velocity semblance values to recursively determine optimal paths through the subsurface, fundamentally altering how velocity parameters are extracted from seismic data in complex geological settings
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical seismic processing algorithms with a path tracing algorithm that uses recursive calculations and amplitude accumulation. This substitution introduces a more sophisticated computational mechanism that can handle complex velocity heterogeneities by tracing actual ray paths through the subsurface rather than assuming simplified hyperbolic moveout
2Manufacturing precision
If path tracing algorithm is used to automatically determine stacking velocities, then the velocity model precision is improved, but the computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The path tracing algorithm segments the velocity determination process into discrete recursive steps: calculating velocity semblance values for each time sample, computing accumulated amplitude arrays, determining path values at each velocity sample, and backtracking to establish the final traced path. This segmentation makes the complex algorithm more manageable and implementable
Solution Approach 2:
The algorithm performs preliminary calculations of velocity semblance values and accumulated amplitude arrays before determining the final traced path. By pre-computing these intermediate values and storing them in arrays, the algorithm prepares the necessary data structures in advance, reducing computational burden during the actual path tracing phase
Data Source
AI summary
A method may include obtaining seismic data for a geological region of interest. The method may further include determining various velocity semblance values for the geological region of interest using a time window and the seismic data. The method may further include determining, automatically by a computer processor, one or more stacking velocities for the geological region of interest using a traced path based on the velocity semblance values and a path tracing algorithm. The path tracing algorithm may recursively determine an accumulated amplitude array based on the velocity semblance values. The path tracing algorithm may further determine the traced path among the velocity semblance values and the accumulated amplitude array, the traced path corresponding to the one or more stacking velocities. The method may further include generating a velocity model of the geological region of interest using the one or more stacking velocities.