Seismic Surface Multiple Prediction Using Trace Convolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for marine seismic surveying struggle to effectively remove surface multiples from seismic records, which obscure primary reflection signals and require detailed knowledge of subsea structures and ocean bottom configurations, making them impractical.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the selection of target traces at nominal offsets and azimuths, convolution of input traces, and application of three-dimensional operators to predict and remove surface multiples, utilizing internal physical consistency within seismic data without requiring modeling of reflector positions or shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional multiple attenuation methods based on wave equation are used, then water-bottom multiples can be handled, but they require detailed knowledge of subsea structures and ocean bottom configurations which are not available
Solution Approach 1:
The method uses the seismic data itself to predict and remove multiples. By convolving input traces and applying three-dimensional operators, the system automatically generates multiple predictions from the recorded seismic signals without requiring external structural models or knowledge of subsea configurations. The seismic data serves both as the signal to be processed and as the source for multiple prediction.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates synthetic copies of multiple signals by convolving input traces and applying three-dimensional operators. These synthetic multiples are then subtracted from the original seismic data to remove the harmful multiple reflections. The copying process generates fake multiple signals that mimic the actual multiples, allowing for their removal through subtraction.
2Ease of manufacture
If surface multiple removal is attempted without detailed structural knowledge, then the method becomes more practical, but the accuracy of multiple prediction and removal decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional wave equation-based methods with a convolution-based approach using three-dimensional operators. Instead of relying on complex wave propagation modeling that requires structural knowledge, the system uses direct convolution of input traces with three-dimensional operators to predict multiples. This substitution maintains accuracy while eliminating the need for detailed structural information.
3Measurement precision
If complex structural knowledge is required for accurate multiple removal, then removal accuracy improves, but the complexity of the processing system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The method segments the multiple prediction process into distinct steps: selecting input traces, convolving trace pairs, applying three-dimensional operators, and subtracting predicted multiples from original data. This segmentation breaks down the complex task into manageable operations that can be performed systematically without requiring overall structural knowledge, reducing both computational and conceptual complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for predicting a plurality of surface multiples for a plurality of traces in a record of seismic data. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a plurality of target traces at a nominal offset and a nominal azimuth; selecting a plurality of pairs of input traces, wherein the midpoints of the input traces in each pair are separated by half the nominal offset and the azimuth of a line connecting the midpoints of the input traces in each pair is equal to the nominal azimuth; convolving the selected pairs of input traces to generate a plurality of convolutions; and applying a three dimensional operator to the convolutions.