Utilizing WATS and OBN Data for Velocity Model Building and Imaging in Deep-water Gulf of Mexico

Abstract

Ocean bottom node (OBN) surveys are gaining popularity in deep-water environments and are frequently acquired to enrich streamer data for field development. However, the benefits of OBN surveys are often restricted by high acquisition costs and are thus acquired with very limited shot and receiver coverage, limiting the capability to build an adequate PSDM velocity model based on OBN data alone. Combining streamer and OBN surveys for model building and imaging can overcome the restricted aperture of OBN itself, resulting in a more accurate velocity model and, consequently, better reservoir images. We present a case study of wide azimuth towed streamer (WATS) and OBN joint model building and imaging on a subsalt reservoir located in a deep-water region of the U.S. Gulf of Mexico.