Model-building with image segmentation and fast image updates

Abstract:

An accurate salt interpretation is an essential component of velocity model-building in areas dominated by complicated salt geology. The Pairwise Region Comparison (PRC) image segmentation algorithm can automatically pick salt bodies on seismic images, and be used as part of an iterative sediment-flood and salt-flood model-building workflow. In areas where the salt interpretation is highly uncertain, however, human expertise is needed to judge the relative accuracy of two or more possible models. We demonstrate a fast image updating scheme based on shot-profile migration that can be used to investigate how different salt interpretations provided by the PRC algorithm affect the final image. With further efficiency improvements, this process could allow for an interactive interpretation, model-building, and imaging workflow that substantially reduces cycle time for large-scale iterative imaging projects.