Seismic Velocity Model Correction via Linear Parameterization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seismic data processing methods are computationally intensive and require multiple iterations, regularization operators, and ray tracing, which are inefficient for handling near surface velocity variations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that generate an initial velocity model as a linear function of three-dimensional space coordinates using travel time data, perform a single inversion iteration to estimate slowness, and calculate long-wavelength statics to correct for near surface velocity variations, eliminating the need for regularization and ray tracing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional iterative modeling methods are used to process seismic data, then processing accuracy can be maintained, but computational time and resources increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by generating an initial velocity model before the inversion process using a simplified linear function of spatial coordinates. This pre-established model serves as a starting point that guides the subsequent single iteration inversion, eliminating the need for multiple iterative refinements while maintaining processing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameterization approach by representing the velocity model as a linear function with constant parameters (a, b, c, d) that can be directly determined from travel time data. This parameter change transforms the complex iterative inverse problem into a direct calculation problem, significantly reducing computational time.
2Reliability
If regularization operators are applied at each iteration to guarantee geologically reasonable results, then solution reliability improves, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by establishing a physically based initial velocity model using travel time data and a linear velocity function before inversion. This preliminary step ensures geological reasonableness from the start, eliminating the need for regularization operators during iterative processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the regularization operator from the processing algorithm entirely. By using a direct inversion approach with a parameterized velocity model, the method achieves reliable geological results without requiring the complex regularization machinery that conventional iterative methods depend on.
3Measurement precision
If ray tracing operations are performed to account for near surface velocity variations, then correction accuracy improves, but computational resources and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the mechanical ray tracing system with a mathematical field-based approach. Instead of tracing individual rays through the velocity model, the method uses a parameterized velocity field and direct inversion of travel time data, replacing computationally intensive ray tracing with efficient mathematical operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the computational approach by parameterizing the velocity model as a linear function with constant coefficients. This parameterization allows direct calculation of velocity corrections from travel time data without performing ray tracing operations, significantly improving processing efficiency while maintaining correction accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided to correct seismic data for the undesired effects caused by near surface velocity variations. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving travel time data for a near surface region and estimating an initial velocity model for the near surface region using the travel time data. The method can include updating the velocity model by performing an inversion iteration of including inversion of travel times to estimate slowness. The process can also include calculating at least one long-wavelength static for the near surface region. The long-wavelength statics may be used to correct for undesired effects caused by near surface velocity variations.