oa A Feasibility Study of a Seismic Survey Along a Mountain Ridge Using Acoustic Wave Simulator

Oil and gas explorations in mountainous regions are becoming more　important to find unexplored possible reserves. Here, the seismic survey technique is a major exploration tool as well. However, difficulties often come from complicated topography change. For evaluating the topographic effects, we conducted the feasibility study for a 2D seismic survey in a particular mountainous area. In our study area, the locations where we can put sources or receivers are restricted, and it is possible to lay out dense sources and receivers on only one mountain road. Previously, reflection from mountainside or diffractions from topographic kink point were worried to damage reflection signals from subsurfaces. In this study, 3D acoustic wave simulation was conducted with the realistic topography model, and the calculated wavefield was examined. As the result, several different types of topography-related waves are identified. However, judging from this result and the other conditions, the seismic survey on a mountain ridge could be acceptable. And the acoustic simulator can be largely useful to the survey planning even though there were some limitations on the method.