Seismic imaging in complex media with the common reflection surface stack

Abstract

Reflection seismic is one of the most commonly used geophysical method for the oil and gas exploration. In this thesis I show the application of the Common Reflection Surface (CRS) stack technique to improve the quality of reflection seismic images. Conventional seismic imaging method based on the CMP stacking does not use the full potential of the dataset due to reflection point dispersal in the presence of dipping reflectors or laterally inhomogeneous media. Application of the CRS stack technique is advantageous in complex areas, since it involves information about the shape of seismic reflectors, i.e., dip and curvature, into processing. Moreover, a multiparameter formula allows to sum up more traces during the stack. All together, this leads to better imaging results, especially to an improvement of the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio. Reflection events in the CRS stack sections appear clearer and more continuous compared to conventional CMP stack sections...