3D Seismic designing and modeling study, Python Solution

3D seismic design and modeling study involves the finalization/optimization of 3D acquisition parameters that include the Receiver & Source Interval, CMP Bin size, Receiver & Source line interval, Patch/spread parameters etc. Once these parameters are finalized, Source and receiver distribution and associated CMP bin can be plotted on the map. In addition, the fold plot could be visualized which is an important plot to visualize the nominal fold (Number of times each CMP bin is imaged). While chalking out surface area for seismic data acquisition the subsurface area of geological interest (AOI), which is aimed for interpretation, should be considered for seismic image which is fully migrated (i.e., CDP needs to be moved to their actual subsurface location) in full fold area. This can optimally be achieved by extending the full fold equal to the migration aperture (See my earlier post on migration aperture calcluation for constant and linear velocity model.). This full fold coverage in migration apron region is required for maximum S/N in the region (outside the AOI) of unmigrated events that will later be migrated to their actual subsurface location. To get full fold up to migration apron, inline/Xline taper length needs to be added into surface geometry. The surface geometry with the fold taper boundary represents the total surface coverage to seismic required for imaging of AOI (Figure-01).

The python code, developed by author, takes the shapefile, Receiver/Source Interval, Receiver/Source line interval, Patch parameters and receiver line orientation from the user. The results plots are Source and receiver distribution, CMP Bin distribution and Fold plot based on the patch parameter. Offset and Azimuth plots of each bin can also be plotted. Current environment of solution is IDE which can be converted into GUI later. The solution can help exploration geophysicists for in-house 3D planning and designing study.

Below given figures-02 & 03 are based on the customized shapefile with the following parameters:

RI = 40 m

SI = 40 m

RLI = 400 m

SLI = 400 m

Total lines in a patch = 16

active channels per line = 240

Reciever line Azimuth = 67.75 degrees

Figure-03 shows that such plots could be used for edge managment during planning and designing study for the planned source-reciever distribution for the regular distribution of fold over the area.