Super-sparse marine 3D: A game changer for seismic exploration

Abstract

TotalEnergies SE and partners Shell and PetroSA recently completed the acquisition and processing of a large (10,000 km2) ultra-sparse (200 m between streamers) marine seismic acquisition survey off the west coast of South Africa in block 5/6/7 using a large PGS Titan Class Ramform vessel. The sparse design enabled fast acquisition and low survey cost and health, safety, and environment exposure. Advances in sparse processing enabled high-quality final seismic data consistent with the exploration objectives. In addition, DUG optimized the 4D regularization/interpolation parameters to approach the near offsets differently than the offsets with more complete coverage to help several processing steps. The survey was designed to be upgradable to a higher-resolution survey if needed via the addition of a custom regular infill pattern, either in its entirety or over targeted areas.