3D Seismic survey design using mixed‐radix based algorithm inversion

Abstract

The determination of three‐dimensional geometry and acquisition parameters, the seismic acquisition survey design, is constantly subject of studies in obtaining data with the highest seismic quality, operational efficiency and cost minimization. In this paper, we propose a methodology for inverting geometry parameters of three‐dimensional orthogonal land seismic surveys based on a direct search method using a mixed‐radix based algorithm. In this algorithm, the search space is discretized on a mixed‐radix base, which depends on the extreme values and the search resolution of each parameter. We will show how to reparametrize the orthogonal acquisition geometry elements in order to obtain the independents and integers parameters that are necessary to construct the mixed‐radix base. For the optimization purpose, we define an objective function to contemplate target parameters associated with the elements of the acquisition geometry directly related to the geophysical and operational constraints. Taking in account that the mathematical functions and the objective function we define for the problem have no significant computational cost, all model space parameters are fast and efficiently tested. We applied the algorithm, using as input data, provided by a one‐line roll orthogonal reference geometry, assuming a pair of geological objectives as shallow and deep targets. All selected models that meet both the proposed objectives and the constraints are organized by decreasing order of fitness so that with the mixed‐radix inversion algorithm we found not only the best model, but also a set of suitable models. Likewise, with the best set of geometries, it is possible to establish a direct comparison between them, analysing their adherence to the technical and operational requirements according to the availability and degree of detail of each one. We show the top 10 best results as a table, allowing a direct comparison between all aspects of these geometries, and we summarize the results showing graphically the fitness of all selected geometries and the inverted geometry elements for the 1000 best geometries. These graphical displays provide a direct way to understand how each model behaves as the fitness decreases. The algorithm is very flexible and its application can be extended to any environment and type of acquisition geometry, and in any phase study of an area be it regional, exploratory or development.