From acquisition footprints to true amplitude

Abstract

This paper addresses the issue of the sensitivity of 3‐D prestack depth migration (PSDM) with respect to the acquisition geometry of 3‐D seismic surveys. Using the theoretical framework of PSDM, I show how acquisition‐related imaging artifacts—the acquisition footprints—can arise. I then show how the acquisition footprint can be suppressed in two steps by (1) partitioning the 3‐D survey into minimal data sets, each to be migrated separately, and (2) applying a robust variable‐geometry PSDM quadrature. The validity of the method is demonstrated on synthetic parallel and antiparallel multistreamer data and cross‐spread data.The proposed two‐step solution can play an important role in projects where amplitude integrity and fidelity are paramount, e.g., quantitative interpretation and time‐lapse surveying. The concept of minimal data also fills a gap in understanding the relation between acquisition and imaging.