Authors: Sturzu I. , Popovici A. M. , Moser T. J.
Journal of Seismic Exploration, Vol 23, 1-18 2014.
The separate imaging of subsurface diffractors is a key ingredient in the develop,emt of high-resolution imaging technologies. We here produce images of difractors using depth migration algorithms modified to attenuate the energy from specular reflectors. The seismic events from a pre-stack seismic dataset are migrated to proper depth and location using the final velocity model obtained by the velocity model building process, but the output is assigned to separate bins according to the value of a specific parameter called specularity. The specularity gathers are post-processed using a plane wave destructor filter to attenuate the contribution coming from specular reflectors. The method is demonstrated on two synthetic models and on a filed data target in the Teapot Dome reservoir.
Introduction
High-resolution imaging of the small scale fractures in reservoirs improves production and recovery efficiency, reduces field development cost and decreases the environmental impact of developing the field by using fewer wells to optimal produce the reservoir. Deploying this technology is a fundamental advance in high-resolution 3D prestack data imaging of complex geological structures. Current diffraction imaging research has identified a new approach to image small scale faults, pinch-outs, salt flanks, refelector unconformities and , in general, any small scattering objects by using diffraction imaging as a complement to the structural images produced by refelection imaging. Continue Reading →