The feasibility of speeding up 2D seismic migration using a specific processor on an FPGA

Abstract

This paper was aimed at describing the state of the art regarding 2D migration from a software and hardware perspective. It also gives the current state of specific processing using field programmable gate array (FPGA) and then concludes with the feasibility of fully implementing 2D seismic migration on a FPGA via a specific processor. Work was used showing performance in different areas of knowledge to gain an overview of the current state of specific processing using FPGAs. As 2D seismic migration employs floating-point data, this article thus compiles several papers showing trends in floating-point operations in both general and specific processors. The information presented in this article led to concluding that FPGAs have a promising future in this area due to oil industry companies having begun to develop their own tools aimed at further optimising field exploration.