Seismic Redatuming Virtual Source Subsurface Characterization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Seismic surveys face challenges in accurately determining subsurface features due to intervening complex subsurface formations that attenuate or alter seismic energy, making it difficult to obtain accurate measurements without deploying a large number of seismic sources and geophones underground.
Innovation Solution
The seismic survey system positions most seismic sources and geophones on the earth's surface, using redatuming techniques to simulate virtual seismic sources and measurements that bypass intervening subsurface features, allowing for accurate characterization of subsurface features with reduced underground deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large number of seismic sources and geophones are deployed underground, then measurement precision of subsurface features is improved, but device complexity and deployment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of seismic sources and geophones through mathematical transformations. Virtual seismic sources are generated at subsurface locations by processing measurements from surface geophones, and virtual geophone measurements are synthesized to represent subsurface receiver responses. This copying approach eliminates the need to physically deploy numerous components underground while maintaining measurement precision for characterizing subsurface features.
2Ease of operation
If seismic sources and geophones are positioned on the earth's surface, then ease of deployment is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to intervening subsurface features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces mathematical transformation processes as intermediaries between surface measurements and subsurface characterization. Redatuming techniques act as mediators that transform surface geophone measurements into virtual subsurface source and receiver responses, effectively bridging the gap between easy surface deployment and the need for accurate subsurface measurements despite intervening complex formations.
3Reliability
If seismic energy is directed through complex subsurface formations, then subsurface feature characterization is achieved, but energy loss and measurement accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional seismic survey approach by generating virtual sources at subsurface locations rather than relying on surface sources to penetrate through complex formations. Instead of sending seismic energy through attenuating subsurface layers from the surface, the method mathematically creates the effect of subsurface sources, thereby avoiding energy loss while achieving reliable subsurface feature characterization.
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 enables efficient, cost-effective, and accurate seismic surveys by reducing the number of underground components and overcoming measurement obstructions, allowing for precise determination of subsurface features even in complex environments.
Implementation Method 1
The seismic sources direct seismic energy into the earth at one or more points on or beneath the earth's surface. The seismic energy propagates through the earth (for example, by transmitting through or reflecting from one or more subsurface features)
Data Source
AI summary
In an example implementation, first seismic energy is generated using first seismic sources positioned on an earth's surface. First data including measurements of the first seismic energy is obtained from first geophones positioned at a first depth below the earth's surface. Second data including measurements of the first seismic energy is obtained from second geophones positioned on the earth's surface. Second seismic energy is generated using second seismic sources positioned on an earth's surface and proximal to the second geophones. Third data including measurements of the second seismic energy is obtained from third geophones positioned at the first depth below the earth's surface. A propagation of the first seismic energy along a first path is estimated based on the first, second and third data. One or more characteristics of the target are determined based on the estimate.