Seismic Statics Correction via Variable Gap Deconvolution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Seismic data processing is challenged by sand dunes and other outcropping geobodies with lower acoustic impedance, causing distortion and amplitude versus offset (AVO) compliance issues in geophysical exploration.

Innovation Solution

A method involving variable gap deconvolution and frequency-dependent amplitude correction is applied to identify and attenuate the signature of outcropping geobodies, such as sand dunes, using seismic data from source and receiver stations positioned on these features, followed by surface consistent deconvolution and amplitude correction to produce corrected seismic data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional seismic acquisition systems use an array of strategically positioned seismic sensors to record seismic waves, then seismic data can be collected to generate three-dimensional digital models of the subsurface, but sand dunes and outcropping geobodies with lower acoustic impedance cause distortion effects and amplitude versus offset compliance issues in the processed seismic data

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseismic data accuracyVSAvoiddistortion effects from sand dunes

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing variable gap deconvolution and frequency-dependent amplitude correction before final seismic image generation. The method identifies signatures associated with sand dunes and outcropping geobodies in the raw seismic data and attenuates these distortions early in the processing workflow, preventing them from propagating through subsequent processing steps and compromising the final image quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter changes by applying frequency-dependent amplitude correction that modifies the amplitude characteristics of seismic signals based on their frequency content. This allows differential correction of distortions caused by sand dunes across different frequency bands, restoring the amplitude versus offset compliance of reflection events while preserving genuine subsurface signal characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If seismic surveys are performed to produce images of rock formations, then subsurface conditions and hydrocarbon concentrations can be detected, but ensuring amplitude versus offset compliance for subsequent interpretation becomes challenging when receivers are positioned on outcropping geobodies

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAVO complianceVSAvoidprocessing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by implementing frequency-dependent amplitude correction that adjusts signal amplitudes based on frequency content. This restores AVO compliance by compensating for frequency-selective attenuation caused by sand dunes, allowing reliable amplitude-based interpretation of subsurface properties without requiring complex repositioning of receivers or sources

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical solutions (such as physically repositioning receivers away from sand dunes) with signal processing substitutions. By applying variable gap deconvolution and frequency-dependent amplitude correction algorithms, the method achieves AVO compliance through computational correction rather than physical reconfiguration of the seismic acquisition geometry

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-generated harmful factors

If variable gap deconvolution is applied to attenuate the signature of outcropping geobodies, then near-surface reverberations are removed, but additional processing steps are required to ensure complete correction of distortion effects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenear-surface reverberationsVSAvoidprocessing steps

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the correction process into distinct sequential steps: first applying variable gap deconvolution to remove near-surface reverberations, then applying frequency-dependent amplitude correction to restore AVO compliance. This segmented approach allows each processing step to target specific distortion mechanisms independently, making the overall correction more effective than a single monolithic processing step

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10481287B2Surface consistent statics solution and amplification correction

Publication Date: 2019.11.19 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

AI summary

Methods for correcting seismic signals by determining a signature of an outcropping geobody (e.g., a sand dune) from unprocessed seismic data, attenuating the seismic data using a variable gap deconvolution, and performing a surface consistent deconvolution and amplitude correction on the seismic data. A signature associated with the outcropping geobody and corresponding to the geometry of the geobody may be identified from the unprocessed seismic data. The signature may be used in subsequent processing, such for the determination of a variable gap length for a variable gap deconvolution applied to the seismic data. Computer-readable media and systems for correcting seismic signals are also provided.