Rayleigh Wave Inversion for the Near-surface Characterization of Shallow Targets in Kuwait

Near-surface complexity can be particularly challenging in the case of shallow targets such as those in the Lower Fars shallow heavy oil reservoir in northern Kuwait. Some of the standard techniques have intrinsic limitations and can fail in the presence of a complex near surface, for instance with velocity inversions. To evaluate and test the potential of new near surface characterization approaches with point receiver data, a field test has been designed, acquired, and processed. More specifically, the aims of the test were demonstrating the advantages of the Rayleigh wave inversion for the near-surface characterization and statics, near-offset noise attenuation, and, in general, point-receiver processing. The results and the validation with well data confirm the robustness of surface wave methods for the near surface characterization, and the benefits of its integration into the data processing flow.