Receiver-side near-surface corrections in the τ-p domain: A raypath-consistent solution for converted wave processing

Geophysics ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 82 (2) ◽  
pp. U13-U23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raul Cova ◽  
David Henley ◽  
Xiucheng Wei ◽  
Kristopher A. Innanen
Keyword(s):  
Processing Technique ◽  
Receiver Side ◽  
S Wave ◽  
Converted Wave ◽  
Velocity Change ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
S Waves ◽  
Surface Time ◽  
Consistent Solution ◽  
Consistent Approach

Removing near-surface effects in the processing of 3C data is key to exploiting the information provided by converted waves. Particularly for the case of the PS-mode, converted energy travels back to the surface as S-waves. Therefore, S-wave static corrections are needed for the receiver side. This is often done under the assumption of surface consistency. This implies a constant correction for all the traces recorded at a fixed receiver location. However, if the velocity change between the near-surface layer and the medium underneath is gradual, the vertical raypath assumption that supports the surface-consistent approach is no longer valid. This property results in a nonstationary change of the near-surface traveltimes that need to be addressed to properly solve the problem. We have determined how the delays introduced by the presence of very low S-wave velocities in the near surface can introduce raypath-dependent effects. The magnitudes of these delays can be larger than what can be considered a residual static. In this study, a raypath-consistent approach is used to solve the problem. This is achieved by transforming the data, organized into receiver gathers, to the [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] domain and performing crosscorrelation and convolution operations to capture and remove the near-surface delays from the data. We tested this processing technique on synthetic and field data. In both cases, removing near-surface time delays in a raypath-consistent framework improved the coherency and stacking power of shallow and deep events simultaneously. Shallow events benefited most from this processing due to their wider range of reflection angles. This approach can be useful in the processing of wide-angle broadband data in which the kinematics of wave propagation are not consistent with vertical raypath approximations in the near surface.

Computing near-surface velocity models for S-wave static corrections using raypath interferometry

Geophysics ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 83 (3) ◽  
pp. U23-U34
Author(s):  
Raul Cova ◽  
David Henley ◽  
Kristopher A. Innanen
Keyword(s):  
Wave Velocity ◽  
Velocity Model ◽  
P Wave ◽  
Surface Velocity ◽  
S Wave ◽  
Converted Wave ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Velocity Models ◽  
Consistent Solution ◽  
Static Corrections

A near-surface velocity model is one of the typical products generated when computing static corrections, particularly in the processing of PP data. Critically refracted waves are the input usually needed for this process. In addition, for the converted PS mode, S-wave near-surface corrections must be applied at the receiver locations. In this case, however, critically refracted S-waves are difficult to identify when using P-wave energy sources. We use the [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] representation of the converted-wave data to capture the intercept-time differences between receiver locations. These [Formula: see text]-differences are then used in the inversion of a near-surface S-wave velocity model. Our processing workflow provides not only a set of raypath-dependent S-wave static corrections, but also a velocity model that is based on those corrections. Our computed near-surface S-wave velocity model can be used for building migration velocity models or to initialize elastic full-waveform inversions. Our tests on synthetic and field data provided superior results to those obtained by using a surface-consistent solution.

A simple method for resolving large converted‐wave (P-SV) statics

Geophysics ◽  
1993 ◽  
Vol 58 (3) ◽  
pp. 429-433 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter W. Cary ◽  
David W. S. Eaton
Keyword(s):  
P Wave ◽  
S Wave ◽  
Converted Wave ◽  
P Waves ◽  
Simple Method ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
S Waves ◽  
Static Solutions ◽  
Surface Fluctuations

The processing of converted‐wave (P-SV) seismic data requires certain special considerations, such as commonconversion‐point (CCP) binning techniques (Tessmer and Behle, 1988) and a modified normal moveout formula (Slotboom, 1990), that makes it different for processing conventional P-P data. However, from the processor’s perspective, the most problematic step is often the determination of residual S‐wave statics, which are commonly two to ten times greater than the P‐wave statics for the same location (Tatham and McCormack, 1991). Conventional residualstatics algorithms often produce numerous cycle skips when attempting to resolve very large statics. Unlike P‐waves, the velocity of S‐waves is virtually unaffected by near‐surface fluctuations in the water table (Figure 1). Hence, the P‐wave and S‐wave static solutions are largely unrelated to each other, so it is generally not feasible to approximate the S‐wave statics by simply scaling the known P‐wave static values (Anno, 1986).

Robust Empirical Time–Frequency Relations for Seismic Spectral Amplitudes, Part 1: Application to Regional S Waves in Southeastern Iran

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maryam Safarshahi ◽  
Igor B. Morozov
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Waves ◽  
Joint Inversion ◽  
Vertical Component ◽  
Transverse Component ◽  
Model Parameters ◽  
S Wave ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
S Waves ◽  
Time Frequency ◽  
Frequency Independent

ABSTRACT Empirical models of geometrical-, Q-, t-star, and kappa-type attenuation of seismic waves and ground-motion prediction equations (GMPEs) are viewed as cases of a common empirical standard model describing variation of wave amplitudes with time and frequency. Compared with existing parametric and nonparametric approaches, several new features are included in this model: (1) flexible empirical parameterization with possible nonmonotonous time or distance dependencies; (2) joint inversion for time or distance and frequency dependencies, source spectra, site responses, kappas, and Q; (3) additional constraints removing spurious correlations of model parameters and data residuals with source–receiver distances and frequencies; (4) possible kappa terms for sources as well as for receivers; (5) orientation-independent horizontal- and three-component amplitudes; and (6) adaptive filtering to reduce noise effects. The approach is applied to local and regional S-wave amplitudes in southeastern Iran. Comparisons with previous studies show that conventional attenuation models often contain method-specific biases caused by limited parameterizations of frequency-independent amplitude decays and assumptions about the models, such as smoothness of amplitude variations. Without such assumptions, the frequency-independent spreading of S waves is much faster than inferred by conventional modeling. For example, transverse-component amplitudes decrease with travel time t as about t−1.8 at distances closer than 90 km and as t−2.5 beyond 115 km. The rapid amplitude decay at larger distances could be caused by scattering within the near surface. From about 90 to 115 km distances, the amplitude increases by a factor of about 3, which could be due to reflections from the Moho and within the crust. With more accurate geometrical-spreading and kappa models, the Q factor for the study area is frequency independent and exceeds 2000. The frequency-independent and Q-type attenuation for vertical-component and multicomponent amplitudes is somewhat weaker than for the horizontal components. These observations appear to be general and likely apply to other areas.

Velocity anisotropy in shale determined from crosshole seismic and vertical seismic profile data

Geophysics ◽  
1990 ◽  
Vol 55 (4) ◽  
pp. 470-479 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. F. Winterstein ◽  
B. N. P. Paulsson
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Profile ◽  
P Wave ◽  
Isotropic Model ◽  
S Wave ◽  
Vertical Seismic Profile ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
S Waves ◽  
Velocity Anisotropy ◽  
Wave Velocities ◽  
Late Tertiary

Crosshole and vertical seismic profile (VST) data made possible accurate characterization of the elastic properties, including noticeable velocity anisotropy, of a near‐surface late Tertiary shale formation. Shear‐wave splitting was obvious in both crosshole and VSP data. In crosshole data, two orthologonally polarrized shear (S) waves arrived 19 ms in the uppermost 246 ft (75 m). Vertically traveling S waves of the VSP separated about 10 ms in the uppermost 300 ft (90 m) but remained at nearly constant separation below that level. A transversely isotropic model, which incorporates a rapid increase in S-wave velocities with depth but slow increase in P-wave velocities, closely fits the data over most of the measured interval. Elastic constants of the transvesely isotropic model show spherical P- and [Formula: see text]wave velocity surfaces but an ellipsoidal [Formula: see text]wave surface with a ratio of major to minor axes of 1.15. The magnitude of this S-wave anisotropy is consistent with and lends credence to S-wave anisotropy magnitudes deduced less directly from data of many sedimentary basins.

scholarly journals Converted‐wave seismic exploration: Applications

Geophysics ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 68 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert R. Stewart ◽  
James E. Gaiser ◽  
R. James Brown ◽  
Don C. Lawton
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Waves ◽  
Seismic Exploration ◽  
Fracture Density ◽  
Converted Wave ◽  
P Waves ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
S Waves ◽  
Subsurface Fluid ◽  
Processing Techniques ◽  
Gas Bearing

Converted seismic waves (specifically, downgoing P‐waves that convert on reflection to upcoming S‐waves are increasingly being used to explore for subsurface targets. Rapid advancements in both land and marine multicomponent acquisition and processing techniques have led to numerous applications for P‐S surveys. Uses that have arisen include structural imaging (e.g., “seeing” through gas‐bearing sediments, improved fault definition, enhanced near‐surface resolution), lithologic estimation (e.g., sand versus shale content, porosity), anisotropy analysis (e.g., fracture density and orientation), subsurface fluid description, and reservoir monitoring. Further applications of P‐S data and analysis of other more complicated converted modes are developing.

Normal moveout velocity ellipse in tilted orthorhombic media

Geophysics ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 81 (6) ◽  
pp. C319-C336 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuriy Ivanov ◽  
Alexey Stovas
Keyword(s):  
Wave Mode ◽  
Initial Position ◽  
Orthorhombic Symmetry ◽  
Arbitrary Orientation ◽  
S Wave ◽  
Converted Wave ◽  
Slowness Surface ◽  
S Waves ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
The Individual

Normal moveout (NMO) velocity is a commonly used tool in the seismic industry nowadays. In 3D surveys, the variation of the NMO velocity in a horizontal plane is elliptic in shape for the anisotropy or heterogeneity of any strength (apart from a few exotic cases). The NMO ellipse is used for Dix-type inversion and can provide important information on the strength of anisotropy and the orientation of the vertical symmetry planes, which can correspond, for example, to fractures’ orientation and compliances. To describe a vertically fractured finely layered medium (the fracture is orthogonal to the layering), an anisotropy of orthorhombic symmetry is commonly used. In areas with complicated geology and stress distribution, the orientation of the orthorhombic symmetry planes can be considerably altered from the initial position. We have derived the exact equations for the NMO ellipse in an elastic tilted orthorhombic layer with an arbitrary orientation of the symmetry planes. We have evaluated pure and converted wave modes and determined that the influence of the orientation upon the NMO ellipse for all the waves is strong. We have considered acoustic and ellipsoidal orthorhombic approximations of the NMO ellipse equations, which we used to develop a numerical inversion scheme. We determined that in the most general case of arbitrary orientation of the orthorhombic symmetry planes, the inversion results are unreliable due to significant trade-offs between the parameters. We have evaluated S-wave features such as point singularities (slowness surfaces of the split S-waves cross) and triplications (due to concaveness of the individual S-wave mode slowness surface) and their influence on the NMO ellipse.

A novel approach to estimating near‐surface S‐wave velocity and converted‐wave receiver statics

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rishi Bansal ◽  
Warren Ross ◽  
Sunwoong Lee ◽  
Mike Matheney ◽  
Alex Martinez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wave Velocity ◽  
S Wave ◽  
Converted Wave ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Novel Approach

Amplitude balancing in separating P- and S-waves in 2D and 3D elastic seismic data

Geophysics ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 76 (3) ◽  
pp. S103-S113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Sun ◽  
George A. McMechan ◽  
Han-Hsiang Chuang
Keyword(s):  
Wave Amplitude ◽  
Amplitude Ratio ◽  
Velocity Ratio ◽  
Displacement Component ◽  
P Wave ◽  
Elastic Displacement ◽  
Reverse Time ◽  
S Wave ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
S Waves

The reflected P- and S-waves in elastic displacement component data recorded at the earth’s surface are separated by reverse-time (downward) extrapolation of the data in an elastic computational model, followed by calculations to give divergence (dilatation) and curl (rotation) at a selected reference depth. The surface data are then reconstructed by separate forward-time (upward) scalar extrapolations, from the reference depth, of the magnitude of the divergence and curl wavefields, and extraction of the separated P- and S-waves, respectively, at the top of the models. A P-wave amplitude will change by a factor that is inversely proportional to the P-velocity when it is transformed from displacement to divergence, and an S-wave amplitude will change by a factor that is inversely proportional to the S-velocity when it is transformed from displacement to curl. Consequently, the ratio of the P- to the S-wave amplitude (the P-S amplitude ratio) in the form of divergence and curl (postseparation) is different from that in the (preseparation) displacement form. This distortion can be eliminated by multiplying the separated S-wave (curl) by a relative balancing factor (which is the S- to P-velocity ratio); thus, the postseparation P-S amplitude ratio can be returned to that in the preseparation data. The absolute P- and S-wave amplitudes are also recoverable by multiplying them by a factor that depends on frequency, on the P-velocity α, and on the unit of α and is location-dependent if the near-surface P-velocity is not constant.

Seismic vertical transversely isotropic parameter inversion from P- and S-wave cross-borehole measurements in an aquifer environment

Geophysics ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 84 (3) ◽  
pp. D101-D116
Author(s):  
Julius K. von Ketelhodt ◽  
Musa S. D. Manzi ◽  
Raymond J. Durrheim ◽  
Thomas Fechner
Keyword(s):  
Transversely Isotropic ◽  
P Wave ◽  
Perturbation Equation ◽  
S Wave ◽  
P Waves ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
S Waves ◽  
Wave Measurements ◽  
Wave Splitting

Joint P- and S-wave measurements for tomographic cross-borehole analysis can offer more reliable interpretational insight concerning lithologic and geotechnical parameter variations compared with P-wave measurements on their own. However, anisotropy can have a large influence on S-wave measurements, with the S-wave splitting into two modes. We have developed an inversion for parameters of transversely isotropic with a vertical symmetry axis (VTI) media. Our inversion is based on the traveltime perturbation equation, using cross-gradient constraints to ensure structural similarity for the resulting VTI parameters. We first determine the inversion on a synthetic data set consisting of P-waves and vertically and horizontally polarized S-waves. Subsequently, we evaluate inversion results for a data set comprising jointly measured P-waves and vertically and horizontally polarized S-waves that were acquired in a near-surface ([Formula: see text]) aquifer environment (the Safira research site, Germany). The inverted models indicate that the anisotropy parameters [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are close to zero, with no P-wave anisotropy present. A high [Formula: see text] ratio of up to nine causes considerable SV-wave anisotropy despite the low magnitudes for [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. The SH-wave anisotropy parameter [Formula: see text] is estimated to be between 0.05 and 0.15 in the clay and lignite seams. The S-wave splitting is confirmed by polarization analysis prior to the inversion. The results suggest that S-wave anisotropy may be more severe than P-wave anisotropy in near-surface environments and should be taken into account when interpreting cross-borehole S-wave data.

Examining the processing differences between P and P-S waves in a Rocky Mountain Foothills model

2014 ◽  
Vol 54 (2) ◽  
pp. 504
Author(s):  
Sanjeev Rajput ◽  
Michael Ring
Keyword(s):  
Rocky Mountain ◽  
P Wave ◽  
S Wave ◽  
Converted Wave ◽  
Wave Source ◽  
Depth Migration ◽  
S Waves ◽  
Full Waveform ◽  
Fluid Saturation ◽  
Converted Waves

For the past two decades, most of the shear-wave (S-wave) or converted wave (P-S) acquisitions were performed with P-wave source by making the use of downgoing P-waves converting to upgoing S-waves at the mode conversion boundaries. The processing of converted waves requires studying asymmetric reflection at the conversion point, difference in geometries and conditions of source and receiver, and the partitioning of energy into orthogonally polarised components. Interpretation of P-S sections incorporates the identification of P-S waves, full waveform modeling, correlation with P-wave sections and depth migration. The main applications of P-S wave imaging are to obtain a measure of subsurface S-wave properties relating to rock type and fluid saturation (in addition to the P-wave values), imaging through gas clouds and shale diapers, and imaging interfaces with low P-wave contrast but significant S-wave changes. This study examines the major differences in processing of P and P-S wave surveys and the feasibility of identifying converted mode reflections by P-wave sources in anisotropic media. Two-dimensional synthetic seismograms for a realistic rocky mountain foothills model were studied. A Kirchhoff-based technique that includes anisotropic velocities is used for depth migration of converted waves. The results from depth imaging show that P-S section help in distinguishing amplitude associated with hydrocarbons from those caused by localised stratigraphic changes. In addition, the full waveform elastic modeling is useful in finding an appropriate balance between capturing high-quality P-wave data and P-S data challenges in a survey.

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