Numerical Testing of Virtual Source Method

Abstract

Cross-well profiling is an important technique that produces a high resolution image between wells and provides a better delineation of rock properties. Yet, using a real downhole source is considered a major obstacle in a well logging operation. Thus, the Virtual Source Method (VSM) was introduced as an emerging technique that can virtually place a downhole source without damaging the well. This allowed us to passively use different source types on the surface with no velocity correction required for the medium between sources and downhole receivers. Using a numerical model, we produced our synthetics and created the Virtual Source gathers. A comparison was then made between the real downhole shot gathers and the VS gathers, and we found that the direct arrivals and the reflections are matching in time. A tomogram section was then produced using the direct P-wave arrivals. Our study demonstrated that cross-well tomography can be used with the Virtual Source Method, as the inversion model that was produced showed a velocity distribution matching with the geological model.