Method for wave equation velocity replacement of the low-velocity-layer in seismic data processing
AssigneeExxon Production Research Company
InventorsWilliam A. Schneider, Jr., Mark S. Ephron
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method for correcting seismic data for the effects of the low-velocity-layer. According to the method, estimates of the seismic velocity in the low-velocity-layer and the depth of the low-velocity-layer are used to extrapolate the seismic data to simulated source and receiver positions located at the base of the low-velocity-layer. The data are then extrapolated to an arbitrary reference datum using a selected replacement velocity. The principles of wave equation datuming are used for these extrapolations.
Claims11
A method for correcting seismic data for the effects of the low-velocity-layer, comprising the steps of:
- a) obtaining estimates of the seismic velocity in the low-velocity-layer and the depth of the low-velocity-layer;
- b) using said estimates and the principles of wave equation datuming to extrapolate said seismic data to simulated source and receiver positions located at the base of the low-velocity-layer;
- c) selecting a replacement seismic velocity for said low-velocity-layer;
- and
- d) using said replacement seismic velocity and the principles of wave equation datuming to extrapolate said seismic data from said simulated source and receiver positions to a selected reference datum.
A method for correcting seismic data for the effects of the low-velocity-layer, comprising:
- a) performing a first-arrival refraction analysis of said seismic data to obtain estimates of the seismic velocity in the low-velocity-layer and the depth of the low-velocity-layer;
- b) using said estimates and the principles of wave equation datuming to extrapolate said seismic data to simulated source and receiver positions located at the base of the low-velocity-layer;
- c) selecting a replacement seismic velocity for said low-velocity-layer;
- and
- d) using said replacement seismic velocity and the principles of wave equation datuming to extrapolate said seismic data from said simulated source and receiver positions to a selected reference datum.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.