Imaging in the Time-Stretched Depth Migrated (TSDM) Domain

Pre-stack depth imaging requires, amongst other information, an interpretation of the seismic horizons for building a depth interval velocity model/volume. This interpretation is usually performed on pre-stack time migrated seismic data. In complex areas, such as in the presence of salt domes, time migration is unable to place reflectors at their position of origin. A time interpretation is an important input to any pre-stack depth migration as the current practice in depth imaging is to determine an interval velocity model/volume in depth, which will satisfy the zero offset time present in the pre-stack time migrated section/volume on which the seismic interpretation has been made. We describe a procedure that will simultaneously reduce the reflector mis-positioning error and improve the pre-stack time image response which in turn will lead to a more suitable interpretation required for pre-stack depth imaging. This improvement is made possible by mapping the seismic data to the Time-Stretched Depth Migrated (TSDM) domain.