Fast 3D velocity updates using the pre-stack exploding reflector model

Abstract:

We show 3D real data results of migration velocity analysis by wavefield extrapolation using data synthesized by the pre-stack exploding-reflector model (PERM). PERM is a generalization of the exploding reflector model (ERM) in the sense that migration of PERM data can generate a pre-stack image, which is not achievable with ERM. PERM data allow fast migration velocity analysis, since its size can be orders of magnitude smaller than conventional data reduction approaches such as those used in plane wave migration. Also, because the modeling can be limited to the region where the velocity is to be updated, additional savings are possible by solving for the velocity in a target-oriented manner.