Anisotropic Velocity Model Building Using Rock Physics Assisted Extrapolation - Application to the Gulf of Mexico

We present a new methodology for anisotropic velocity model building for seismic imaging. In the paper we describe the methodology and a Gulf of Mexico case study that uses seismic tomography in combination with rock physics assisted interpolation and extrapolation of anisotropic parameters. Real data example shows that the method provides geologic reasonable velocity and anisotropic models that explains the seismic data and produces good image focus. Especially, improvements over conventional model building techniques are more significant in areas with high dipping geologic structures including salt flanks.