An inverse Q-filter algorithm based on stable wavefield continuation

Stability is the key to inverse Q-filtering. In this paper we present a stable approach to inverse Q-filtering, based on the theory of wavefield downward continuation. It is implemented in a layered manner, assuming a layered-earth Q model. For each individual constant Q layer, the seismic wavefield recorded at the surface is first extrapolated down to the top of the current layer and a constant Q inverse filter is then applied to the current layer. When extrapolating within the overburden, a stable wavefield continuation algorithm in combination with a stabilization factor is applied. This avoids accumulating inverse Q-filter errors within the overburden. Within the current constant Q layer, we use Gabor spectral analysis on the signals to pick time-variant gain-constrained frequencies and then deduce the corresponding gain-constrained amplitudes to stabilize the inverse Q-filtering algorithm. The algorithm is tested and verified application to field data.

Wavefield continuation datuming using a near surface model

When topography and low velocity zone differences vary greatly, conventional vertical static time shifts will cause wavefield distortion and influence wave equation seismic imaging for seismic data acquired on a complex near surface. In this paper, we propose an approach to datum correction that combines a joint tomography inversion with wavefield continuation to solve the static problem for seismic data on rugged acquisition topography. First, the near surface model is obtained by refracted wave tomography inversion. Second, the wavefield of sources and receivers are continued downward and upward to accomplish datum correction starting from a flat surface and locating the datum above topography. Based on the reciprocal theorem, Huygens＇ and Fresnel principles, the location of sources and receivers, and regarding the recorded data on the surface as a secondary emission, the sources and receivers are upward-continued to the datum above topography respectively. Thus, the datum correction using joint tomography inversion and wavefield continuation with the condition of a complex near surface is accomplished.

Plane wave shot PSDM and controlled illumination techniques

The Pre-Stack Depth Migration （PSDM） method based on wavefield continuation is the most reliable method for imaging complex structure in the subsurface, although there are large computational costs and poorly adaptive geometry. Plane wave shot migration is another method to perform exact wave equation prestack imaging with high computational efficiency and without the migration aperture problem. Moreover, wavefield energy can be compensated at the target zone by controlled illumination. In this paper, plane wave shot PSDM was implemented by the control of the plane down-going wavefield and selection of number and range of the raypaths in order to optimize the imaging effect. In addition, controlled illumination techniques are applied to enhance the imaging precision of interesting areas at different depths. Numerical calculation indicates that plane wave shot imaging is a rapid and efficient method with less computational cost and easy parallel computation compared to the single-square-root operator imaging for common shot gathers and double- square-root operator imaging for common midpoint gathers.