Seismic 4D-binning with Redatuming for Wavefield Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 4D seismic processing methods face challenges in accurately matching wavefield sampling between baseline and monitor surveys with different acquisition datums, leading to poor image quality and increased 4D noise due to differences in reflection points and incidence angles.
Innovation Solution
The method involves redatuming seismic data to a more convenient datum for improved estimation of subsurface properties, followed by modified 4D-binning that selects trace pairs with similar estimated reflection points and incidence angles, using techniques like wavefield separation and ray-tracing to enhance data matching and reduce noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional 4D-binning is used with different acquisition datums, then processing is simpler, but 4D noise increases and image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing redatuming of seismic traces before 4D-binning. The traces are re-datumed to a common reference surface (such as the sea floor or sea surface) prior to the binning process. This preliminary redistribution of traces ensures that traces from different acquisition datums are properly aligned in terms of their spatial position, allowing subsequent 4D-binning to accurately match traces with similar subsurface illumination and wavefield sampling characteristics, thereby reducing 4D noise and improving image quality.
2Productivity
If traces are selected based on surface attributes only, then 4D-binning is faster, but wavefield sampling similarity is poor when datums differ
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing redatuming of seismic traces before 4D-binning. The traces are re-datumed to a common reference surface (such as the sea floor or sea surface) prior to the binning process. This preliminary redistribution of traces ensures that traces from different acquisition datums are properly aligned in terms of their spatial position, allowing subsequent 4D-binning to accurately match traces with similar subsurface illumination and wavefield sampling characteristics, thereby reducing 4D noise and improving image quality.
3Reliability
If redatuming is performed, then wavefield sampling matching improves, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the datum parameter of seismic traces through redatuming operations. The traces are re-datumed to a common reference surface, which changes their spatial parameter representation. This parameter transformation enables accurate matching of wavefield sampling characteristics between traces from different acquisition geometries. The redatuming process uses mathematical transformations (such as phase shift or migration) that can be efficiently implemented, balancing the added processing time with the significant improvement in wavefield sampling matching accuracy.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for maximizing a repeatability between a base seismic survey and a monitor seismic survey of a same surveyed subsurface during a 4-dimensional (4D) project. The method includes receiving first seismic data associated with the base seismic survey; receiving second seismic data associated with the monitor seismic survey, wherein the monitor seismic survey is performed later in time than the base seismic survey; estimating subsurface reflection-points and incidence angles; determining 4D-binning based on the estimated subsurface reflection-points and incidence angles; and maximizing the repeatability between the first seismic data and the second seismic data by using the 4D-binning.