Abstract
A 3D synthetic wide‐azimuth towed‐streamer (WATS) dataset is migrated with different migration techniques. These migration techniques are suited for imaging complex overburden. First, a wave‐equation method based on a one‐way propagator is used. Second, a two‐way method that utilizes one‐way propagators for the wavefield extrapolation downward and upward is tested. Finally, a method based on the solution of the two‐way acoustic wave equation, also known as Reverse Time Migration (RTM) is selected. We compare the migration results in 2D and 3D and show that the best results are obtained when more information is incorporated in the imaging process, e.g., turning and/or prismatic waves. In practice, the selection of a migration algorithm is based on computational and geophysical considerations. For instance, the complexity of the subsurface tells us if turning waves are needed or not. Our ability to estimate an accurate velocity model helps us to decide which method will produce the best results. Finally, computing resources could present challenges when large datasets need to be migrated, especially for advanced imaging techniques such as RTM.
Published Version
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