Simulating Large-Scale Streamer and OBN Acquisition over Subsalt Targets — an Example of Successful Remote Collaboration Between Survey Design and Survey Evaluation

Abstract

In this article we look at how ray-based wavefront modelling can be used to evaluate competing acquisition techniques with significantly different illumination properties and associated acquisition cost. We compare subsurface illumination of complex sub-salt reservoirs typical of those found in the Gulf of Mexico for a variety of towed-streamer and full azimuth long offset ocean bottom node surveys. Single, dual and triple azimuth towed-streamer surveys are considered. This project was accomplished using a new connector between ACTeQ’s survey design and optimization software and Norsar’s 3D modelling software. This project is an excellent example of competitors collaborating to better achieve a customer’s needs. The project was also accomplished in a fully remote environment, and none of the authors were in the same city at any time during the project. Remote collaboration is becoming an increasingly effective low-carbon approach to complex challenges.