4D Depth-domain Inversion: Recovering Time-lapse Signal from Non-repeatable Surveys

To attain the seismic time-lapse response that is characteristic of production-induced changes, high repeatability between seismic vintages is essential. However, in some cases, a change in survey geometry is required for improved imaging and superior future repeatability; for instance, from towed-streamer to ocean-bottom node (OBN) acquisition. The resulting differences in acquisition geometry and recording datums lead to significant inconsistencies in the reservoir illumination that generally cannot be resolved by conventional 4D binning techniques, especially for deep-water fields or in the presence of complex overburden geology.