Extending subsurface imaging beyond ocean-bottom node coverage using multiples: A case study in deepwater Nigeria

We have evaluated the results of a receiver decimation study in a deepwater context using separated wavefield imaging (SWIM) algorithms to provide extended illumination for imaging without ocean-bottom node (OBN) positioning constraints. We carried out subsurface imaging using the SWIM imaging technique with a reduced OBN layout, and we compared the results with those from conventional one-way wave-equation migration. We found from the results that the SWIM algorithm makes it possible to reduce the OBN layout while obtaining a similar subsurface image with the same shot geometry, which allows a reduced receiver acquisition effort, offers more geometry flexibility without affecting the image quality, with a potentially significant reduction of acquisition cost and 4D processing turnaround time.

The Use of Core & Log Anisotropy Parameters into Seismic Data Processing: A Case Study of Deep-Water Reservoir

The seismic far-offset data plays important role in seismic subsurface imaging and reservoir parameters derivation, however, it is often distorted by the hockey stick effect due to improper correction of the Vertical Transverse Isotropy (VTI) during the seismic velocity analysis. The anisotropy parameter η is needed to properly correct the VTI effect. The anisotropy parameters of ε and δ obtained from log and core measurements, can be used to estimate the η values, however, the upscaling effects due to the different frequencies of the wave sources used in the measurements must be carefully taken into account. The objective is to get better understanding on the proper uses of anisotropy parameters in the the velocity analysis of deepwater seismic gather data. To achieve the objective, the anisotropy parameters from ultrasonic core measurements and dipole sonic log were used to model the seismic CDP gathers. The upscaling effects is reflected by the big difference of measured anisotropy values, in which the core measurement value is about 40 times higher than the log measurement value. The CDP gathers modelling results show that, due to the upscaling effect, the log and core-based models show significant differences of far-offset amplitude and hockey sticks responses. The differences can be minimized by scaling-down the log anisotropy values to core anisotropy values by using equations established from core – log anisotropy values cross-plot. The study emphasizes the importances of integrating anisotropy parameters from core and log data to minimize the upscaling effect to get the best η for the VTI correction in seismic velocity analysis.

River sedimentation modeling using ground-penetrating radar

In recent years, siltation has become quite a problem. It has been the main cause of flooding and a rapid decline in water quality. It is usually caused by a high river sedimentation rate and/or uncontrolled waste disposal. The increased rate of erosion also means that river sedimentation occurs faster than normal and could lead to environmental hazards, wildlife deaths, and the disruption of food and drinking water supply among other things. The question is how to monitor the sedimentation process of rivers without damaging the river itself. The suitable geophysical method is GPR. GPR is an active, non-intrusive geophysical method in which electromagnetic radiation and the reflected signals in the form of radar pulses are used for subsurface imaging. The objective is to investigate river sedimentation using GPR, we created the synthetic models based on geological models of rivers with different depths to create their 2-D radargrams to predict the actual model. We set up the first model RSM-I as control which consists of a layer of freshwater with ρ = 16 Ωm, k = 81 and μ r = 1 of depth 5 m, two layers of sandstone with ρ = 850 Ωm, k = 2.5 and μ r = 1 of total depth 4 m, and a layer of claystone with ρ = 120 Ωm, k = 11 and μ r = 1 of depth 1 m. RSM-II and III are added with a buildup of saturated sediment with ρ = 30 Ωm, k = 15, and μ r = 1 of depth 2.5 and 4 m, respectively. The radargrams’ reflector for each model shows a two-way travel time of 300-350, 150-200, and 60-90 ns in their respective order. GPR models can differentiate between the saturated sediment and freshwater, it shows good results regarding sediment investigation in rivers.

Seismic Soundoff: Exploring land seismic case studies

In this episode, Öz Yilmaz discusses his latest book, Land Seismic Case Studies for Near-Surface Modeling and Subsurface Imaging. Written for practicing geophysicists, the book is the culmination of land seismic data acquisition and processing projects conducted by Yilmaz over the last two decades. His expertise and experience are highlighted in detail in this revealing and essential conversation. Hear the full episode at https://seg.org/podcast/post/12564 .

Design and Applications of Multi-Frequency Holographic Subsurface Radar: Review and Case Histories

Holographic subsurface radar (HSR) is not currently in widespread usage. This is due to a historical perspective in the ground-penetrating radar (GPR) community that the high attenuation of electromagnetic waves in most media of interest and the inability to apply time-varying gain to the continuous-wave (CW) HSR signal preclude sufficient effective penetration depth. While it is true that the fundamental physics of HSR, with its use of a CW signal, does not allow amplification of later (i.e., deeper) arrivals in lossy media (as is possible with impulse subsurface radar (ISR)), HSR has distinct advantages. The most important of these is the ability to do shallow subsurface imaging with a resolution that is not possible with ISR. In addition, the design of an HSR system is simpler than for ISR due to the relatively low-tech transmitting and receiving antennae. This paper provides a review of the main principles of HSR through an optical analogy and describes possible algorithms for radar hologram reconstruction. We also present a review of the history of development of systems and applications of the RASCAN type, which is possibly the only commercially available holographic subsurface radar. Among the subsurface imaging and remote sensing applications considered are humanitarian demining, construction inspection, nondestructive testing of dielectric aerospace materials, surveys of historic architecture and artworks, paleontology, and security screening. Each application is illustrated with relevant data acquired in laboratory and/or field experiments.

Identification of Reclamation Area in Ancol of North Jakarta Using Resistivity Method

The coastal reclamation area is an expansion of coastal areas through technical engineering to develop new land areas. Identification of the reclamation area can be performed by detecting subsurface imaging using the resistivity method. This study used a multi-electrode (multichannel) resistivity imaging method. The resistivity imaging results show a good response of subsurface resistivity and successfully identified reclamation area with low resistivity <27.8 Ωm in almost the study area. Its depth varies from 4 meters to 30 meters. The reclamation results are composed of loose rock that has not been fully compacted, so it has not been well consolidated. As a result, it will experience land subsidence if overload.