Full-wave seismic acquisition and processing: the onshore requirement

C. Jason Criss, Cara Kiger, Pete Maxwell and Jim Musser of Input/Output explain the company’s approach to full wave imaging and processing and why it is the technology of the future. Full-wave acquisition and processing is fast becoming the new revolution in seismic imaging, just as 3D seismic was a revolution in seismic imaging 20 years ago. But why the need for full-wave imaging? As exploration and production efforts become more sophisticated, geoscientists are required to better define reservoir rock and fluid properties and fluid movements, and more accurately determine drilling locations to meet the challenges. Present geophysical assumptions inherent in conventional 3D imaging limit our ability to image reservoirs and understand their contained fluids well enough to have maximum economic impact. These are assumptions of isotropy, frequency band limits, vertical emergent angle and the requirement for source-generated noise attenuation in the field. Because of these assumptions, 3D imaging as it is currently implemented has peaked in usefulness and is less able to deliver additional economic value. This directly affects our ability to find and develop new reserves at an acceptable risk. In addition to the impact on finding new reserves, currently producing fields are seriously suffering from the diminishing economic impact of current 3D technology.