Application of sparse-layer inversion and harmonic bandwidth extension for a channel system in Southern Alberta, Canada

Abstract

Sparse-layer reflectivity inversion decomposes a seismic trace into a limited number of simple layer responses and their corresponding reflection coefficients for top and base reflections. In contrast to sparse-spike inversion, the applied sparsity constraint is less biased against layer thickness and can thus better resolve thin subtuning layers. Application to a 3D seismic data set in Southern Alberta produces inverted impedances that have better temporal resolution and lateral stability and a less blocky appearance than sparse-spike inversion. Bandwidth extension harmonically extrapolated the frequency spectra of the inverted layers and nearly doubled the usable bandwidth. Although the prospective glauconitic sand tunes at approximately 37 m, bandwidth extension reduced the tuning thickness to 22 m. Bandwidth-extended data indicate a higher correlation with synthetic traces than the original seismic data and reveal features below the original tuning thickness. After bandwidth extension, the channel top and base are more evident on inline and crossline profiles. Lateral facies changes interpreted from the inverted acoustic impedance of the bandwidth-extended data are consistent with observations in wells.