Minimizing field operations in shallow 3‐D seismic reflection surveying

Geophysics ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 66 (6) ◽  
pp. 1761-1773 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roman Spitzer ◽  
Alan G. Green ◽  
Frank O. Nitsche
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Reflection ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Unconsolidated Sediments ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Seismic Reflection Data ◽  
Northern Switzerland ◽  
Shallow Subsurface ◽  
Reflection Data ◽  
Effective Manner ◽  
Original Survey

By appropriately decimating a comprehensive shallow 3‐D seismic reflection data set recorded across unconsolidated sediments in northern Switzerland, we have investigated the potential and limitations of four different source‐receiver acquisition patterns. For the original survey, more than 12 000 shots and 18 000 receivers deployed on a [Formula: see text] grid resulted in common midpoint (CMP) data with an average fold of ∼40 across a [Formula: see text] area. A principal goal of our investigation was to determine an acquisition strategy capable of producing reliable subsurface images in a more efficient and cost‐effective manner. Field efforts for the four tested acquisition strategies were approximately 50%, 50%, 25%, and 20% of the original effort. All four data subsets were subjected to a common processing sequence. Static corrections, top‐mute functions, and stacking velocities were estimated individually for each subset. Because shallow reflections were difficult to discern on shot and CMP gathers generated with the lowest density acquisition pattern (20% field effort) such that dependable top‐mute functions could not be estimated, data resulting from this acquisition pattern were not processed to completion. Of the three fully processed data subsets, two (50% field effort and 25% field effort) yielded 3‐D migrated images comparable to that derived from the entire data set, whereas the third (50% field effort) resulted in good‐quality images only in the shallow subsurface because of a lack of far‐offset data. On the basis of these results, we concluded that all geological objectives associated with our particular study site, which included mapping complex lithological units and their intervening shallow dipping boundaries, would have been achieved by conducting a 3‐D seismic reflection survey that was 75% less expensive than the original one.

Shallow seismic reflection study of a glaciated valley

Geophysics ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 63 (4) ◽  
pp. 1395-1407 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frank Büker ◽  
Alan G. Green ◽  
Heinrich Horstmeyer
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Reflection ◽  
High Amplitude ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Seismic Section ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Seismic Reflection Data ◽  
Northern Switzerland ◽  
Reflection Data ◽  
Shallow Seismic ◽  
Glaciated Valley

Shallow seismic reflection data were recorded along two long (>1.6 km) intersecting profiles in the glaciated Suhre Valley of northern Switzerland. Appropriate choice of source and receiver parameters resulted in a high‐fold (36–48) data set with common midpoints every 1.25 m. As for many shallow seismic reflection data sets, upper portions of the shot gathers were contaminated with high‐amplitude, source‐generated noise (e.g., direct, refracted, guided, surface, and airwaves). Spectral balancing was effective in significantly increasing the strength of the reflected signals relative to the source‐generated noise, and application of carefully selected top mutes ensured guided phases were not misprocessed and misinterpreted as reflections. Resultant processed sections were characterized by distributions of distinct seismic reflection patterns or facies that were bounded by quasi‐continuous reflection zones. The uppermost reflection zone at 20 to 50 ms (∼15 to ∼40 m depth) originated from a boundary between glaciolacustrine clays/silts and underlying glacial sands/gravels (till) deposits. Of particular importance was the discovery that the deepest part of the valley floor appeared on the seismic section at traveltimes >180 ms (∼200 m), approximately twice as deep as expected. Constrained by information from boreholes adjacent to the profiles, the various seismic units were interpreted in terms of unconsolidated glacial, glaciofluvial, and glaciolacustrine sediments deposited during two principal phases of glaciation (Riss at >100 000 and Würm at ∼18 000 years before present).

Reducing source‐generated noise in shallow seismic data using linear and hyperbolic τ‐p transformations

Geophysics ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 66 (5) ◽  
pp. 1612-1621 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roman Spitzer ◽  
Frank O. Nitsche ◽  
Alan G. Green
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Reflection ◽  
Guided Waves ◽  
Relative Strength ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Processing Scheme ◽  
Seismic Reflection Data ◽  
Northern Switzerland ◽  
Reflection Data ◽  
Shallow Seismic ◽  
P Domain

High‐resolution seismic reflection data recorded at many locations on the earth are plagued by the overwhelming effects of direct, refracted, guided, and surface waves. These different components of source‐generated noise may completely mask reflections at traveltimes <∼50–100 ms. Conventional processing methods that include the time‐consuming application of mute functions may lead to the misprocessing of source‐generated noise (especially guided waves) as reflected events and/or the unintentional removal of important shallow reflections. We introduce a combined linear and hyperbolic τ‐p processing scheme that results in the effective separation of reflections from source‐generated noise. After applying linear moveout terms that adjust the direct, refracted, and guided arrivals to appear horizontal to subhorizontal, the reduced traveltime shot gathers are transformed into the linear τ‐p domain. It is then straightforward to design a single τ‐p filter that eliminates most of the source‐generated noise throughout the entire data set. Following inverse linear τ‐p transformation and removal of the linear moveout terms, the filtered shot gathers contain reflections and residual elements of the source‐generated noise. Because summing along hyperbolas favors reflections, transforming the filtered shot gathers into the hyperbolic τ‐p domain leads to significant enhancements in the S/N ratio. A simple rescaling of data values in the hyperbolic τ‐p domain, which results in the loss of true amplitude information, increases further the relative strength of the reflected signals. Finally, inverse hyperbolic transformation yields shot gathers dominated by reflections. In tests of the combined τ‐p processing scheme on a synthetic shot gather and on a complete shallow seismic reflection data set recorded in northern Switzerland, significant improvements in the quality of reflections in the prestacked data and on a fully processed section are readily apparent. According to the results of these tests, the new scheme works well for reflections originating from flat and dipping horizons.

Migration with reduced artifacts from internal multiple reflections

Geophysics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 85 (4) ◽  
pp. A25-A29
Author(s):  
Lele Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Reflection ◽  
Computational Cost ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Square Root ◽  
Multiple Reflections ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Seismic Reflection Data ◽  
Reflection Data ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Multiple Elimination

Migration of seismic reflection data leads to artifacts due to the presence of internal multiple reflections. Recent developments have shown that these artifacts can be avoided using Marchenko redatuming or Marchenko multiple elimination. These are powerful concepts, but their implementation comes at a considerable computational cost. We have derived a scheme to image the subsurface of the medium with significantly reduced computational cost and artifacts. This scheme is based on the projected Marchenko equations. The measured reflection response is required as input, and a data set with primary reflections and nonphysical primary reflections is created. Original and retrieved data sets are migrated, and the migration images are multiplied with each other, after which the square root is taken to give the artifact-reduced image. We showed the underlying theory and introduced the effectiveness of this scheme with a 2D numerical example.

Shallow 3D seismic-reflection imaging of fracture zones in crystalline rock

Geophysics ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 72 (6) ◽  
pp. B149-B160 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cedric Schmelzbach ◽  
Heinrich Horstmeyer ◽  
Christopher Juhlin
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Reflection ◽  
Crystalline Rock ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Disposal Site ◽  
3D Seismic ◽  
Fracture Zones ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Seismic Reflection Data ◽  
Reflection Data ◽  
Receiver Array

A limited 3D seismic-reflection data set was used to map fracture zones in crystalline rock for a nuclear waste disposal site study. Seismic-reflection data simultaneously recorded along two roughly perpendicular profiles (1850 and [Formula: see text] long) and with a [Formula: see text] receiver array centered at the intersection of the lines sampled a [Formula: see text] area in three dimensions. High levels of source-generated noise required a processing sequence involving surface-consistent deconvolution, which effectively increased the strength of reflected signals, and a linear [Formula: see text] filtering scheme to suppress any remaining direct [Formula: see text]-wave energy. A flexible-binning scheme significantly balanced and increased the CMP fold, but the offset and azimuth distributions remain irregular; a wide azimuth range and offsets [Formula: see text] are concentrated in the center of the survey area although long offsets [Formula: see text] are only found at the edges of the site. Three-dimensional dip moveout and 3D poststack migration were necessary to image events with conflicting dips up to about 40°. Despite the irregular acquisition geometry and the high level of source-generated noise, we obtained images rich in structural detail. Seven continuous to semicontinuous reflection events were traced through the final data volume to a maximum depth of around [Formula: see text]. Previous 2D seismic-reflection studies and borehole data indicate that fracture zones are the most likely cause of the reflections.

An example of extreme near-surface variability in shallow seismic reflection data

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. SH1-SH9
Author(s):  
Steven D. Sloan ◽  
J. Tyler Schwenk ◽  
Robert H. Stevens
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Reflection ◽  
Field Data ◽  
Low Velocity ◽  
Seismic Reflection Data ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Shallow Subsurface ◽  
Reflection Data ◽  
Shallow Seismic ◽  
Low Velocity Layer ◽  
Velocity Layer

Variability of material properties in the shallow subsurface presents challenges for near-surface geophysical methods and exploration-scale applications. As the depth of investigation decreases, denser sampling is required, especially of the near offsets, to accurately characterize the shallow subsurface. We have developed a field data example using high-resolution shallow seismic reflection data to demonstrate how quickly near-surface properties can change over short distances and the effects on field data and processed sections. The addition of a relatively thin, 20 cm thick, low-velocity layer can lead to masked reflections and an inability to map shallow reflectors. Short receiver intervals, on the order of 10 cm, were necessary to identify the cause of the diminished data quality and would have gone unknown using larger, more conventional station spacing. Combined analysis of first arrivals, surface waves, and reflections aided in determining the effects and extent of a low-velocity layer that inhibited the identification and constructive stacking of the reflection from a shallow water table using normal-moveout-based processing methods. Our results also highlight the benefits of using unprocessed gathers to pragmatically guide processing and interpretation of seismic data.

scholarly journals Depth characterization of shallow aquifers with seismic reflection, Part I—The failure of NMO velocity analysis and quantitative error prediction

Geophysics ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 67 (1) ◽  
pp. 89-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
John H. Bradford
Keyword(s):  
Layer Thickness ◽  
Water Table ◽  
Seismic Reflection ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Compressional Wave ◽  
Unconsolidated Sediments ◽  
Velocity Analysis ◽  
Seismic Reflection Data ◽  
Reflection Data ◽  
Saturated Layer

As seismic reflection data become more prevalent as input for quantitative environmental and engineering studies, there is a growing need to assess and improve the accuracy of reflection processing methodologies. It is common for compressional‐wave velocities to increase by a factor of four or more where shallow, unconsolidated sediments change from a dry or partially water‐saturated regime to full saturation. While this degree of velocity contrast is rare in conventional seismology, it is a common scenario in shallow environments and leads to significant problems when trying to record and interpret reflections within about the first 30 m below the water table. The problem is compounded in shallow reflection studies where problems primarily associated with surface‐related noise limit the range of offsets we can use to record reflected energy. For offset‐to‐depth ratios typically required to record reflections originating in this zone, the assumptions of NMO velocity analysis are violated, leading to very large errors in depth and layer thickness estimates if the Dix equation is assumed valid. For a broad range of velocity profiles, saturated layer thickness will be overestimated by a minimum of 10% if the boundary of interest is <30 m below the water table. The error increases rapidly as the boundary shallows and can be very large (>100%) if the saturated layer is <10 m thick. This degree of error has a significant and negative impact if quantitative interpretations of aquifer geometry are used in aquifer evaluation such as predictive groundwater flow modeling or total resource estimates.

scholarly journals Using Seismic Attributes in seismotectonic research: an application to the Norcia's Mw = 6.5 earthquake (30th October 2016) in Central Italy

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maurizio Ercoli ◽  
Emanuele Forte ◽  
Massimiliano Porreca ◽  
Ramon Carbonell ◽  
Cristina Pauselli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Reflection ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Seismic Attributes ◽  
Seismic Attribute ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Epicentral Zone ◽  
Seismic Reflection Data ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Reflection Data ◽  
Attribute Analysis

Abstract. In seismotectonic studies, seismic reflection data are a powerful tool to unravel the complex deep architecture of active faults. Such tectonic structures are usually mapped at surface through traditional geological surveying whilst seismic reflection data may help to trace their continuation from the near-surface down to hypocentral depth. In this study, we propose the application of the seismic attributes technique, commonly used in seismic reflection exploration by oil industry, to seismotectonic research for the first time. The study area is a geologically complex region of Central Italy, recently struck by a long-lasting seismic sequence including a Mw 6.5 main-shock. A seismic reflection data-set consisting of three vintage seismic profiles, currently the only available across the epicentral zone, constitutes a singular opportunity to attempt a seismic attribute analysis. This analysis resulted in peculiar seismic signatures which generally correlate with the exposed surface geologic features, and also confirming the presence of other debated structures. These results are critical, because provide information also on the relatively deep structural setting, mapping a prominent, high amplitude regional reflector that marks the top basement, interpreted as important rheological boundary. Complex patterns of high-angle discontinuities crossing the reflectors have been also identified. These dipping fabrics are interpreted as the expression of fault zones, belonging to the active normal fault systems responsible for the seismicity of the region. This work demonstrates that seismic attribute analysis, even if used on low-quality vintage 2D data, may contribute to improve the subsurface geological interpretation of areas characterized by high seismic potential.

scholarly journals Time-lapse imaging using 3D ultra-high-frequency marine seismic reflection data

Geophysics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 85 (2) ◽  
pp. P13-P25
Author(s):  
Michael J. Faggetter ◽  
Mark E. Vardy ◽  
Justin K. Dix ◽  
Jonathan M. Bull ◽  
Timothy J. Henstock
Keyword(s):  
High Frequency ◽  
Seismic Reflection ◽  
High Tide ◽  
Time Lapse ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Seismic Reflection Data ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Ultra High Frequency ◽  
Reflection Data ◽  
Marine Seismic

Time-lapse (4D) seismic imaging is now widely used as a tool to map and interpret changes in deep reservoirs as well as investigate dynamic, shallow hydrological processes in the near surface. However, there are very few examples of time-lapse analysis using ultra-high-frequency (UHF; kHz range) marine seismic reflection data. Exacting requirements for navigation can be prohibitive for acquiring coherent, true-3D volumes. Variable environmental noise can also lead to poor amplitude repeatability and make it difficult to identify differences that are related to real physical changes. Overcoming these challenges opens up a range of potential applications for monitoring the subsurface at decimetric resolution, including geohazards, geologic structures, as well as the bed-level and subsurface response to anthropogenic activities. Navigation postprocessing was incorporated to improve the acquisition and processing workflow for the 3D Chirp subbottom profiler and provide stable, centimeter-level absolute positioning, resulting in well-matched 3D data and mitigating 4D noise for data stacked into [Formula: see text] common-midpoint bins. Within an example 4D data set acquired on the south coast of the UK, interpretable differences are recorded within a shallow gas blanket. Reflections from the top and bottom of a gas pocket are imaged at low tide, whereas at high tide only the upper reflection is imaged. This case study demonstrates the viability of time-lapse UHF 3D seismic reflection for quantitative mapping of decimeter-scale changes within the shallow marine subsurface.

Shifted-elliptical nonstretch moveout correction of wide-angle seismic data in the τ-p domain, using an example from the Faeroe-Shetland Basin

Geophysics ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 77 (5) ◽  
pp. B227-B236 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hassan Masoomzadeh ◽  
Satish C. Singh ◽  
Penny J. Barton
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Data ◽  
Seismic Reflection ◽  
Wide Angle ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Seismic Reflection Data ◽  
Reflection Data ◽  
Angle Data ◽  
Vertical Heterogeneity ◽  
P Domain

We developed a method of moveout correction in the [Formula: see text] domain to tackle some of the problems associated with processing wide-angle seismic reflection data, including residual moveout and normal-moveout stretching. We evaluated the concept of the shifted ellipse in the [Formula: see text] domain as an alternative to the well-known concept of the shifted hyperbola in the [Formula: see text] domain. We used this shifted-ellipse concept to address the problem of residual moveout caused by vertical heterogeneity in the subsurface. We also addressed the stretching problem associated with dynamic corrections by combining selected strips from a set of constant-moveout stacks generated using a shifted-ellipse equation. Application of this method to a wide-angle data set from the Faeroe-Shetland Basin provided an enhanced image of the subbasalt structure.

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