Utilizing 3-D wave-equation migration for seismic imaging is a new approach that has shown great promise imaging the complex deep Gulf of Mexico structures.
Previously, only Kirchhoff methods could be used to generate common-reflection point (CRP)
Comparison of standard Kirchhoff depth migration (top) versus wave-equation depth migration. In the standard depth migration, the sediments under the salt body are not imaged correctly by Kirchhoff migration due to multipathing. In the bottom image, the wave-equation depth migration focuses accurately the multiple arrivals under the salt. (Images courtesy of 3DGeo) |
This technology can be used for oil and gas exploration in deep, complex structures more than 15,000 ft (4,573 m) where conventional single traveltime arrival Kirchhoff imaging (shown on the top) fails to provide an accurate structural image. Wave-equation imaging (shown on the bottom) provides much higher structural resolution and amplitude fidelity. This in turn allows the geophysicist to obtain higher-resolution petrophysical information, linking the accurate seismic amplitude to reservoir properties like porosity, sand/shale content, water/oil saturation, compressional and shear velocity ratio, etc.
3DGeo has been one of the pioneers in researching common image angle gathers technology and holds the patent (US6546339) for using the moveout of the angle gathers for computing the velocity update. The current work is focused on wave-equation ultradeep illumination and accurate amplitudes in conjunction with wave-equation imaging and velocity model building. A project sponsored by the US Department of Energy developed, tested and prepared for commercialization a novel, next-generation technology designed to enhance seismic resolution and imaging of ultradeep complex geologic structures by using wave-equation depth migration and wave-equation velocity model building technology for deeper data penetration and recovery and steeper dip and ultradeep structure imaging along with accurate velocity estimation for imaging, pore pressure prediction, and accurate illumination and amplitude processing for extending the amplitude vs. offset prediction window. The advanced imaging methodology may improve the success rate and cost-effectiveness for new deepfield discoveries, and it also has applications in increasing recovery efficiency for the development of existing fields.
Recommended Reading
US Raises Crude Production Growth Forecast for 2024
2024-03-12 - U.S. crude oil production will rise by 260,000 bbl/d to 13.19 MMbbl/d this year, the EIA said in its Short-Term Energy Outlook.
Ohio Utica’s Ascent Resources Credit Rep Rises on Production, Cash Flow
2024-04-23 - Ascent Resources received a positive outlook from Fitch Ratings as the company has grown into Ohio’s No. 1 gas and No. 2 Utica oil producer, according to state data.
Tethys Oil Releases March Production Results
2024-04-17 - Tethys Oil said the official selling price of its Oman Export Blend oil was $78.75/bbl.
Exxon Versus Chevron: The Fight for Hess’ 30% Guyana Interest
2024-03-04 - Chevron's plan to buy Hess Corp. and assume a 30% foothold in Guyana has been complicated by Exxon Mobil and CNOOC's claims that they have the right of first refusal for the interest.
Barnett & Beyond: Marathon, Oxy, Peers Testing Deeper Permian Zones
2024-04-29 - Marathon Oil, Occidental, Continental Resources and others are reaching under the Permian’s popular benches for new drilling locations. Analysts think there are areas of the basin where the Permian’s deeper zones can compete for capital.