Fault mapping using a generalized image point transform of three dimensional reverse VSP data

Abstract

Image point (IP) transform is one type of radon transform with a hyperbolic integral path and reflection waves are accumulated in an IP domain. In expanding IP transform to three dimensional reverse vertical seismic profiling (3-D RVSP), consideration of a strike of a reflector is needed. We introduce a new line that is assumed to be normal to the strike and derived a new transform to the line with all data of receivers. The transform is applicable whether receivers are deployed straight lines or not, and named as a generalized image point (GIP) transform. We apply GIP transform to 3-D synthetic data having two dipping reflectors and confirm that reflections on an IP domain are only accumulated on a transverse line to a strike of a reflector. Applying the GIP transform to a field data, we delineate faces of faults within survey area and the results are good consistency with the known geological structures. ►Expanding IP transform to 3D RVSP data. ►New transform (GIP) is proposed and is flexible where receiver lines are crooked or not. ►Showing agreeable results by applying GIP transform to field data.