Structure tensor constrained tomographic velocity analysis

A method for tomographic migration velocity analysis, comprising:

• collecting seismographic traces from a subterranean formation;
• using an initial velocity model to generate a plurality of common image gathers and a depth image volume based, at least in part, on the seismographic traces;
• computing a structure tensor using said depth image volume for automated structural dip and azimuth estimation, wherein computing the structure tensor using said depth image volume for automated structural dip and azimuth estimation comprises computing smoothed Gaussian derivatives in said depth image volume;
• generating a semblance using said plurality of common image gathers and said structure tensor;
• automatically picking a plurality of image depth residuals from said semblance;
• performing a ray tracing computation on said initial velocity models using said structure tensor;
• generating an updated velocity model with a tomographic inversion computation, wherein said tomographic inversion computation uses said plurality of image depth residuals and said ray tracing computation that is based on the initial velocity model;
• displaying a mapping of a topography of the subterranean formation based on an updated velocity image, wherein the updated velocity image is based on the updated velocity model;
• and
• determining a location of a reservoir based on the mapping.