A Global Parameterisation Strategy for 3D SRME Based upon Seismic Modelling

The current market sees increased pressure to reduce the turn-around of seismic processing projects. While the production stages have benefitted from the increase in compute resources, the testing and QC stages require an essential change in strategy. This paper presents how a global testing strategy based upon seismic modelling can be used to minimize testing time and gain confidence in test results. In particular, it focuses on the design and application of such a strategy for 3D Surface Related Multiple Elimination. 3D ray tracing is used to predict the parameter requirements for the entire survey area and the modelling results are analysed and presented as a series of maps that enable to identify key testing areas and to build a geophysically justified testing strategy. For illustration purposes, the method has been applied on a synthetic dataset created using finite difference modelling, simulating a coil geometry survey over a structurally complex subsurface. The multiple models generated using a range of parameters validate the predictions. The presented global testing strategy thus provides a valuable qualitative and quantitative decision tool, enabling to significantly reduce the turn-around required to reach an appropriate parameterisation while gaining confidence in the test results.