Amplitude-Preserving Monte Carlo 3D Prestack Migration

B-09 AMPLITUDE-PRESERVING MONTE CARLO 3D PRESTACK MIGRATION Abstract 1 We present an amplitude-preserving imaging condition based on a least-squares approach that applies to Monte Carlo wavefield migration methods. Its implementation requires the knowledge of the overall shot illumination map that can be computed at a negligible additional cost during the migration process. The resulting condition is not sensitive to instability effects usually plaguing other formulations. Furthermore it compensates irregular shot illumination and focusing/defocusing effect caused by the velocity field. Finally we show how the shot illumination volume is used as an independent tool for a better interpretation of seismic data.