Imaging of offset VSP data acquired in complex areas with modified reverse-time migration

A modified reverse-time migration algorithm for offset vertical seismic profiling data is proposed. This algorithm performs depth imaging of target areas in the borehole vicinity without taking into account the overburden. Originally recorded seismograms are used; reliable results can be obtained using only the velocity profile obtained along the well. The downgoing wavefield emitted from a surface source is approximated in the target area using the transmitted P-wave, recorded by the receivers deployed in the well. This is achieved through a reverse-time extrapolation of the direct transmitted P-wave into the target area after its separation in offset vertical seismic profiling seismograms generated using a finite-difference scheme for the solution of the scalar wave equation. The proposed approach produces ‘kinematically’ reliable images from reflected PP- and PS-waves and, furthermore, can be applied as a salt proximity tool for salt body flank imaging based on the transmitted PS-waves. Our experiments on synthetic data demonstrate that the modified reverse-time migration provides reliable depth images based on offset vertical seismic profiling data even if only the velocity profile obtained along the borehole is used.