Application of 3C/3D converted mode reflections, King County, Texas

Abstract

We used a 3C/3D seismic reflection data set from King County, Texas, to investigate the utility of multicomponent seismic data for improving reservoir characterization. We evaluated a new seismic processing/interpretation option, based on direct-S modes generated by a vertical-force source. This new seismic mode, SV-P, may allow legacy 3D P-wave data to be reprocessed to create converted-wave data without the need for additional data acquisition costs associated with multicomponent surveys. Using traveltime and amplitude analysis, P-P, P-SV, and SV-P reflectivity was compared to determine which seismic mode might give a clearer picture of the subsurface and subsequently reduce exploration risk.