Understanding elastic wavefield recording by detailed 3D survey planning and simulation

Wavefield propagation in an inhomogoneous medium is a complex phenomena, that must be understood if we are to extract information about both the sedimentary structures of prospective hydrocarbon provinces, and the elastic properties of the rocks and fluids of interest. A cursory examination of historically published “seismic survey planning” literature yields an overwhelming emphasis upon fundamental geometric issues – offset requirements, simple criteria for estimating spatial sampling requirements, required record lengths, etc. Such criteria are no longer sufficient, making simplistic and unrealistic assumptions about the Earth, and shed no light upon the dynamic aspects of wave propagation. Seismic survey planning is now a rigorous project that will incorporate all relevant knowledge of the geology, acquisition systems, processing requirements and interpretation objectives – all accounted for whilst honouring geophysical integrity and accuracy. We summarize modern state-of-the art tools and techniques that offer powerful insights into the application and optimization of 3D seismic technology. For simplicity, we will focus most attention upon marine seismic techniques. However, all the principles are equally relevant for land seismic techniques. SUMMARY OF MODELLING TOOLS