Effect of Vertical Arrays on Near-Surface Velocity and Statics Uncertainty

Abstract

Summary The near-surface velocity model estimated using first arrival tomography is often used for the computation of static corrections. In order to understand the uncertainty of these statics, we apply a Bayesian seismic tomography technique. First, we generate three different seismic datasets using the SEAM Arid model – a surface seismic survey and the same survey combined with vertical receiver arrays of 150 and 300 m depth. Then, we run the Bayesian tomography using the traveltimes obtained from the three surveys and analyze the uncertainty of static corrections in the stochastic models provided by the tomography. The results suggest that the introduction of vertical arrays significantly decreases the uncertainty of obtained static corrections. Joint tomography provides a unifying and powerful integration of surface seismic and simultaneously acquired vertical arrays or upholes.