Conventional and sparse 3D: What is in between?

A chief consideration when exploring for deep subtle structural traps in areas characterized by long and medium wavelength statics is shallow chronostratigraphic markers used for flattening or isochroning in interpretation. Failure to image these markers is intrinsic in sparse 3D survey designs aimed for imaging deep targets. Furthermore, the relatively low fold of sparse 3D data, especially at shallower horizons, makes initial processing steps like velocity analysis and statics correction difficult. This paper describes a sparse 3D acquisition design developed to address these issues by introducing additional source points along the receiver lines. Data examples will be shown illustrating the advantages of the method.