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Wave Equation Simulation Services
An integral part of depth imaging is the use of simulation to assist in understanding field acquired and depth imaged seismic data. We are offering full wave equation simulation as part of our services. Simulation is done to help in investigations of: Seismic illumination, Imaging artifacts, Acquisition design.
Illumination studies
Illumination analysis is routinely done in order to interpret and identify areas of low illumination. A typical application is to investigate areas of low illumination below large salt bodies. Our illumination services are based on application of the full wave equation. No smoothing of the velocity field is done prior to simulation. The workflow for illumination analysis includes construction of a detailed model, simulation using wave equation algorithms, imaging using various depth migration algorithms and finally, extraction of illumination surfaces from the migrated volumes. The illumination surfaces are compared to amplitude maps extracted from the field data depth migrated volumes.
When applying prestack depth migration, the objective is to produce depth migrated volumes that include reflections from geological layer boundaries. However, prestack depth migrated volumes include coherent noise as well. Coherent noise can be a result of migrating multiples, migration operator swings in areas of low illumination or seismic data recorded along complex wave paths that were not migrated correctly. Using wave equation simulation and imaging, we are producing depth migrated data where the input model is known. With that, we can differentiate real geological reflections from noise artifacts and provide a powerful tool to assist in the interpretation of the real data.
The use of 3D simulation to assist in both marine and land acquisition design has been growing in the past several years. With our 3D two-way wave equation simulation algorithms, we offer simulation based acquisition design. This service includes generation of a detailed 3D model, simulation and recording of a dataset over a large grid, and then imaging using subsets of the recorded dataset. With this workflow, key acquisition parameters can be optimized, such as cable length, azimuth distribution, number of gun and cable boats and optimal sailing directions. More than that, as part of wave equation simulation for acquisition design, a simulated dataset is generated and delivered to our clients, and can be used for testing of seismic processing technology and parameters.