Machine learning-based vertical resolution enhancement considering the seismic attenuation

Abstract

The vertical resolution of seismic data is important for the interpretation of geologic features at a fine scale. To improve the resolution of seismic data, spectral enhancement has progressed mainly due to one-dimensional (1D) convolutional models and deconvolution filters; however, recent studies have applied machine learning (ML) algorithms. To generate successful outcome using ML techniques, it is important to reflect the features of target data in the training stage of the ML model. One of main features of seismic field data is a non-stationary wavelet over time due to the change of frequency content as the wavelet passes through specific regions, such as a gas reservoir. However, since conventional methods are generally based on a 1D convolutional model, which assumes that the propagating wavelet is stationary, they show low performance for the parts where the frequency content of the wavelet is significantly changed. In this study, we developed a spectral enhancement algorithm using ML techniques, which can be applied to a seismic trace with different frequency contents over time. We showed that sparse spike inversion results of all target data, rather than just well log data, can be useful to obtain information on the reflectivity series for generating a training data set. To verify the performance of the new algorithm, we compared the spectrally enhanced results from the ML model trained by stationary wavelets and time-variant wavelets and confirmed that the latter wavelets provided better results. In addition, we proposed a quality control (QC) method for verifying the spectrally enhanced results. • We developed a spectral enhancement ML algorithm consider the seismic attenuation. • The ML model trained by time-variant wavelets yielded better results for the area with seismic attenuation. • The results obtained by the ML were verified the validity by our proposed QC method only using seismic data.