Anisotropic Model Building in Complex Media - Three Successful Strategies Applied to Wide-azimuth

Following the 2006 introduction of wide-azimuth towed-streamer data as an exploration imaging prerequisite in the deep-water Gulf of Mexico, anisotropic imaging with vertical or tilted transversely isotropic models has become the dominant practice in the region. Today, it is widely recognized that incorporating anisotropy in imaging increases our ability to create more accurate seismic images, enabling improved interpretation and drilling decisions. We show three successful anisotropic model-building strategies applied on wide-azimuth data from the Walker Ridge and Green Canyon areas of the deep-water Gulf of Mexico. We demonstrate the benefits of incorporating geology information and data from boreholes into all stages of velocity model building.