3D Seismic Imaging over Two Structurally Complex Surveys in the Foothills of Pakistan

The transpressional geologic setting of northwest Pakistan is at the boundary of three continental tectonic plates. MOL Pakistan and its partners acquired two 3D seismic surveys over highly complex structures in this area. Extreme topography led to irregular shooting geometry. Varied surface access over this terrain required a mix of Vibroseis and dynamite source types to maximize subsurface coverage. With the combination of difficult surface conditions over a structurally complex subsurface, the data processing and merging of these two surveys required close attention to detail throughout the processing sequence, and we had to rely on the most robust algorithms in the data processing toolkit. There was no single technology that stood out in the processing, but by taking care at every stage in the processing sequence we were able to produce a readily interpretable seismic volume.