Structure tensor constrained tomographic velocity analysis

Abstract

An example method for tomographic migration velocity analysis may include collecting seismographic traces from a subterranean formation and using an initial velocity model to generate common image gathers and a depth image volume based, at least in part, on the seismographic traces. A structure tensor may be computed with the depth image volume for automated structural dip and azimuth estimation. A semblance may be generated using said plurality of common image gathers and said structure tensor. Image depth residuals may be automatically picked from said semblance. A ray tracing computation may be performed on said initial velocity models using said structure tensor. An updated velocity model may be generated with a tomographic inversion computation, wherein said tomographic inversion computation uses said plurality of image depth residuals and said ray tracing computation.