High resolution of streamer seismic data: obtaining optimal results

Abstract

Andrew Long, PGS Marine Geophysical, defines the requirements for successful high resolution 3D marine seismic surveys and how these can be met. High resolution of seismic data results when high frequency geological features in close proximity can be precisely focused without any contamination from artefacts or noise (i.e. high signal-to-noise ratio). In general, recoverable frequency bandwidth is an important factor for vertical resolution, and dense 3D spatial sampling is an important factor for spatial resolution. Vertical and horizontal resolution is linked by the success of high frequency focusing and imaging. Without pursuing a theoretical treatise, the following section discusses the geophysical principles that are relevant for high-resolution seismic imaging. High resolution of 3D seismic data is achieved by the application of rigorous geophysical principles. In particular, the systematic pursuit of 1) uniform target illumination, 2) dense spatial sampling of the reflected wavefield, and 3) careful processing and imaging, will collectively deliver an optimum result. Note that the final step can never be successfully completed without the platform of proper target illumination and wavefield sampling. Several 3D data examples are used to demonstrate how flexible survey design and implementation can robustly achieve very high resolution target imaging for all target depths and challenges.