Joint preconditioned least‐squares inversion of simultaneous source time‐lapse seismic data sets

Abstract

We present a joint least-squares inversion method for imaging simultaneous source (or blended) time-lapse seismic data sets. Non-repeatable shot and receiver positions introduce undesirable artifacts into time-lapse seismic images. We conjecture that more artifacts will result from relative shot-timing nonrepeatability when data sets are acquired with several simultaneously shooting sources. We show that these artifacts can be attenuated by joint inversion of such data sets without need for initial separation. Preconditioning with non-stationary dip filters and with temporal smoothness constraints ensures stability and geologically consistent time-lapse images. Results from a modified Marmousi 2D model show that this method yields reliable time-lapse images.