Imaging Of The Guando Field Colombia In Time And Depth

Abstract

The Guando field is in an area of rough topography and complex geology. In order to better site wells in such fields it is of value to have a sound understanding of this geological complexity. Obtaining a satisfactory seismic image to enable such interpretation requires pre-stack imaging. The geological complexity is such that post stack imaging fails due to the failure of the common mid point assumption. Is it sufficient to perform pre-stack time migration or is it necessary to perform pre-stack depth migration? In this instance both have been performed on this field and results for each of them will be shown. The basic theory of both pre-stack time and pre-stack depth migration will be described without using mathematics. Model data will then be used to illustrate the shortcomings of pre-stack time migration using a model of similar geological complexity to the Guando field. Both pre-stack migrations require a velocity field. These differ and the manner of their derivation also differs. Velocity model building for both techniques will be described. Particular emphasis will be placed on the use of tomographic and scanning techniques for pre-stack depth migration. Examples will be shown of the velocity models from both migrations. It will be shown that the pre-stack depth migration velocity model is also a valuable interpretation asset. Data from both migrations will be shown. These will demonstrate the superiority of the pre-stack depth migrated data and the reasons why it is superior.