Rapid VSP-CDP mapping of 3-D VSP data

Abstract

Vertical seismic profiling‐common depth point (VSPCDP) mapping with rapid ray tracing in a horizontally layered velocity model is used to create 3-D image volumes using Blackfoot and Oseberg 3-D vertical seismic profiling (VSP) data. The ray‐tracing algorithm uses Fermat’s principle and is specially programmed for the layered model. The algorithm is about ten times faster than either a 3-D VSP-CDP mapping program with an eikonal traveltime computation method or a 3-D VSP Kirchhoff migration program. The mapping method automatically separates the image zone from the nonimage zone within the 3-D image volume. The Oseberg data example shows that the lateral extent of the image zone created by the 3D VSP-CDP mapping is larger than that created by 3-D VSP Kirchhoff migration. The same sample result also provides high‐frequency events at target zones. We include an analysis of the imaging error induced from using a horizontally layered model for the Oseberg data, indicating that the method is reliable in the presence of gently dipping structure.