Processing Techniques for Wide-angle Seismic Data

Imaging structures underneath basalt layers has been a challenge for the hydrocarbon exploration industry. A new processing strategy has been implemented to enhance seismic images obtained from wide-angle seismic data, acquired for sub-basalt imaging purposes. A zigzag velocity function consisting of iso-moveout curves in the time-velocity panel is introduced and employed to perform a constant moveout correction, leading to a horizon consistent multi-window non-stretch stack. The argument is extended into the tau-p domain where the transformed wavefield requires an alternative set of processing techniques. Further improvements are achieved by data processing in the tau-p domain, including downward continuation and shifted-elliptical non-stretch dynamic correction. The processing strategy employed facilitated exploitation of wide-angle arrivals in order to provide enhanced images of the sub-basalt structure. This book should be useful for geoscientists studying crustal structures,Earth sciences students, exploration geophysicists, seismic data analysts, and any one who enjoys the art of seismic data processing.