Multicomponent shear-wave seismic data reveal information about subsurface lithologies and fluid properties that is difficult or impossible to obtain with compressional-wave data alone. Although commercially available three-dimensional (3D), multicomponent processing flows handle many aspects of the three-dimensional behavior of shear waves in complex media, there are serious gaps. In particular, steps to ensure vector fidelity, separation of P and S wave fields, and correlation between P- and S-wave events are often neglected; consequently, converted-wave imaging may not be performed as efficiently and accurately as required. This project proposes several novel approaches that fill the gaps in commercially available flows for processing three-dimensional multicomponent data. The implementation of these new tools, coupled with a commercial processing system currently being used by our company for converted-wave processing, will enable 4th Wave Imaging to build a complete, state-of-the-art, three-dimensional multicomponent processing package for eventual proprietary service work and commercialization in Phases II and III. In Phase I, four novel approaches to fill gaps in currently existing, three-dimensional multicomponent processing flows will be investigated and prototyped: 1) Surface-consistent multicomponent amplitude balancing and vector fidelity 2) Vector wavefield separation 3) Prestack converted-wave imaging algorithm in both the time and depth domains on paralyzed computer architectures 4) A tool to cross-correlate P- and S-wave events and spatially adjust the converted-wave section in time or depth to conform to that of the P-wave section.
Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The novel methods described in this proposal will improve imaging of hydrocarbon reservoirs and thereby increase domestic oil and gas assets in those areas where multicomponent data have been acquired. If successfully carried to market, this technology will allow 4th Wave Imaging to offer services to major oil companies and smaller independents. We also plan to market the multicomponent processing software to seismic contractors, who can then offer processing services to oil companies once our technology becomes available commercially. The commercialization of this technology in Phases II and III will therefore enable 4th Wave Imaging Corporation to offer services and software to multiple market segments.
