Seismic Modeling Types

Types of Modeling

There are many types of seismic modeling from simple well log synthetics,  through complex 3-D raytrace modeling and on to full-elastic wave equation modeling. Accuracy, time and economic constraints must be considered in selecting the modeling type.

Right: 2-D acoustic finite difference model with wave field penetrating  and reflecting from a geometric salt body

Raytrace modeling is often a good choice for investigating subsalt illumination because:
  • Results can be sorted into common-reflection-point (CRP) gathers to simulate 3-D PreSDM
  • Visualization of raypaths, especially in 3-D, assist in imaging analysis and understanding
  • Raytrace amplitude results are good approximations when modeled correctly
  • Raytrace software is proven and available
  • Time and cost of running extensive 3-D models on today's fast computers are reasonable

Above: East-west cross section of Ship Shoal South 3-D model showing common-reflection-point gather (CRP) raypaths for selected bins on a 4300m subsalt horizon.  For clarity, only every 20th CRP is shown.  Note that the CRP display is effective in indicating the imaging problems below the salt edge at 10,000m distance along the model.

Copyright 2002 by Emerald Geoscience Research Corporation