Seismic survey design using full wavefield inversion

Abstract

Method for selecting an acquisition geometry for a seismic survey based on ability to resolve an a priori velocity model. Two or more candidate acquisition geometries are selected (), differing in areal coverage and cost to perform. Then compute a synthetic seismic dataset for each geometry using a detailed geometrical reference model of the subsurface (). Invert the synthetic seismic datasets preferably using simultaneous source FWI, and preferably with Volume of Investigation constraints, to determine model updates (). Quantitatively assess the value of the additional traces in a fuller dataset relative to a subset (), using one or more statistics based on the accuracy of the updated models, such as improved match to the reference model, better fit of seismic data, or rate of change in improvement with iterations. Inversions may be cascaded for further efficiency ().