REAL-TIME REFLECTION POINT DENSITY MAPPING DURING THREE-DIMENSIONAL (3D) VERTICAL SEISMIC PROFILE (VSP) SURVEYS

摘要

Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for generating three dimensional (3D) vertical seismic profiles (VSPs) in a more time efficient manner. The methods and apparatuses enable faster and more efficient VSP surveys than previous techniques. In some embodiments, real- time updating of the velocity model and real-time reflection point density calculations are carried out, which are used to determine the location of the next seismic source firing. In the event the data of a particular bin has an insufficient fold, common image points (CIPs) or reflection point density, additional source firings may be carried out prior to moving the source. Further, in the event the data of a particular bin is excessive in terms of the fold, CIPs or reflection point density before the planned source firings for the bin are completed, remaining source firings for that bin may be skipped to save time and improve the efficiency of the data collection. In some embodiments, GPS positioning technology is used to place the seismic source for the next seismic source firing. In some embodiments, the seismic source firing is synchronized, based on a universal time (UTC) standard.