GSH Technical Breakfast

 

In today’s environment of escalating costs where deep water wells can routinely top $100 MM and leases can cost more than $50 MM, reducing the uncertainty of our potential targets is imperative.  In the deepwater GOM, good image quality below salt reduces the uncertainty for most elements of the petroleum system, and identifying and defining the shape of the salt geometry is the key factor influencing image quality. In recent years, a combination of wider azimuth data, improved imaging algorithms, increased computational speed, and integrated interpretation platforms have made it possible to use imaging in near real-time as an interactive aid in the salt model interpretation process.

The availability of real-time feedback showing the effect of changes in the velocity model on the seismic image and salt interpretation can significantly improve image quality and reduce cycle times for model building and interpretation. In this study, we utilize a range of imaging algorithms that allow a trade-off between complexity and run time. These techniques range from simple vertical stretching to full two-way shot imaging. Fast, simple algorithms implemented as add-ins to the interpretation platform are used for testing incremental changes to the interpretation; beam migrations are used for more extensive scenario testing, and reverse time migrations are used for final images.