GeoStreamer acquisition in the area provides offsets greater than eight kilometers but the deepwater setting combined with a near-surface velocity inversion limits the penetration of the diving waves which are conventionally required for VMB using full waveform inversion (FWI).

To overcome the challenges in this area, PGS FWI utilizes the full wavefield meaning that diving waves and reflected energy are used simultaneously to update the velocity model. The resulting velocity model is both stabilized and enhanced by using GeoStreamer data that are rich in low frequencies, which help mitigate cycle-skipping within the FWI solution.

GeoStreamer Data Enables Accurate Velocity Model Building

Applying PGS FWI to the GeoStreamer data from the eastern Orphan Basin results in an accurate, high-resolution velocity model from the water bottom through the Tertiary section to the deeper Jurassic reservoir target level. Within the velocity attribute, the signatures of chaotic mass transport systems (MTCs) are easily recognizable compared to the more layered units. Additionally, the definition of stratigraphically constrained fault patterns can be identified as the faults manifest as boundaries within the velocity model. When the broadband GeoSteamer data are migrated with the high-resolution FWI model, the resulting image gives confidence in both structural imaging and AVO response.

Depth slice showing least-squares migration overlain by the 25 Hz FWI model. The high frequency FWI velocity model correlates with underlying reflectivity without direct coupling. The reflectivity series shows exceptional detail due to the image deblurring from least-squares migration.

Ensuring Reliable Amplitude Response for Accurate QI

The prospective Jurassic targets in the Orphan Basin require precise treatment of amplitudes to ensure fidelity of the quantitative interpretation workflows. Regional rock physics modeling indicates that at the Jurassic level there is limited acoustic impedance and Vp/Vs separation between brine, oil or gas-charged sands, hence small variations in prestack amplitude response are important to detect. The reliability of the amplitude response at the target level is dependent upon resolving the complexity of the overlying Tertiary and Cretaceous units. Here geological heterogeneities trigger attenuation effects masking the true amplitude behavior at depth.

Advanced Imaging with Least-Squares Migration Resolves Geological Complexity

PGS least-squares migration (LSM) recovers the true reflectivity and provides true amplitude angle gathers for use in subsequent quantitative interpretation workflows. Compared with conventional migration algorithms, LSM benefits from improved wavenumber content and better amplitude balancing across the frequency spectrum, giving broader signal bandwidth, as well as compensation for variable illumination. This leads to an accurate image and reliable amplitude response that can be used to generate attributes, such as impedance and Vp/Vs, that aid in the detection of potential hydrocarbons. Early indications are that the Vp/Vs has a good correlation to the Great Barasway well data.

The PGS LSM images for near, mid and far (right side of the slider) exhibit improved resolution with depth and angle. The deeper rotated Jurassic fault blocks have better-defined bounding faults and improved resolution of stratigraphic markers.