Super-Virtual Surface Wave Interferometry for Seismic Data Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for estimating back-scattered surface waves in seismic data are limited by input geometry, requiring spatial interpolation and other post-processing steps for accurate removal, which can alter structural images and hinder efficient hydrocarbon reservoir exploration.
Innovation Solution
The method involves obtaining incident and back-scattered datasets, generating virtual and super-virtual back-scattered surface traces through correlation and convolution, and stacking these to estimate surface waves directly, allowing for their removal without spatial interpolation, thus improving the accuracy of structural imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional methods are used to estimate back-scattered surface waves, then spatial interpolation and post-processing are required, but this alters structural images and reduces imaging accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes surface waves from seismic data using adaptive subtraction based on interferometric estimation. By separating the surface wave component from the total seismic signal, the method eliminates the need for spatial interpolation while preserving structural image accuracy. The surface wave estimate is directly subtracted from the input seismic data to produce cleaned seismic records.
2Reliability
If conventional interferometry methods are used, then surface waves can be estimated, but spatial interpolation is required which alters structural images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual traces through interferometric correlation that copy the surface wave characteristics without requiring physical spatial interpolation. The virtual traces are generated by correlating seismic traces from different sources and receivers, effectively copying the surface wave signal pattern that can then be subtracted adaptively from the original data.
3Productivity
If adaptive subtraction is performed without proper surface wave estimation, then processing is simpler, but imaging accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adaptive subtraction where the surface wave estimate is continuously refined and subtracted from the seismic data. The process uses feedback from the interferometric estimation to improve the surface wave model, allowing efficient processing that maintains high imaging accuracy through iterative refinement rather than complex post-processing.
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 precise estimation and removal of surface waves for any input geometry, enhancing the efficiency of hydrocarbon reservoir exploration by providing unaltered structural images, improving the accuracy of seismic data processing.
Implementation Method 1
generating super-virtual back-scattered surface traces by correlating or convoluting pairs of traces with a common source
Implementation Method 2
generating super-virtual back-scattered surface traces by correlating or convoluting pairs of traces with a common source
Implementation Method 3
stacking the super-virtual back-scattered surface traces corresponding to waves propagating between same source and same receiver, to obtain an estimate of the surface waves
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for estimating surface waves generates incident, back-scattered (110), virtual back-scattered (120) and super-virtual back-scattered traces (140). The stacked super-virtual back-scattered traces (150) are an estimate of the surface waves.