Full-wave Applications

When geophysicists are attempting to locate large, well-defined structures or to capture a single image early in the life of a reservoir, 3D seismic is often adequate.  However, as the E&P industry hunts for targets that are deeper or harder to image, conventional 3D seismic may no longer suffice.  This is where digital, full-wave seismic comes in.  Full-wave seismic delivers benefits generally, but especially in extremely challenging imaging environments. 

Applications for full-wave imaging include:

• Dealing with abrupt, near-surface velocity changes in the Arctic or in deserts
• Imaging thin, stratified, highly-faulted, or steeply-dipping reservoirs
• Delineating lithology (rock type) changes
• Determining fluid types and fluid movements, especially in 4D programs
• Acquiring 4C seismic data from the seabed
• Minimizing ambient noise in data acquired near existing oil & gas fields
• Accounting for anisotropy in the subsurface
• Mapping fracture networks in reservoirs
• Delivering low frequency data (down to 1-2 HZ) for AVO and inversion