3D focusing operator estimation using sparse data

Abstract

Estimation of focusing operators directly from 2D seismic data without the need of updating a velocity model, using the Common Focal Point (CFP)-technology, has proved to be a fruitful concept. In this paper we will discuss how the CFP-technology is extended to sparse 3D seismic data by incorporating a data-infill step in the focusing operator estimation procedure. This data-infill step is exploiting the large azimuthal redundancy that is available in seismic reflection data. The results of the focusing operator estimation procedure applied on a realistic synthetic sparse 3D dataset will be presented.