A Deterministic Evaluation of eismic Fidelity using Velocity Modeling ...

3.1 Introduction
Chapter 3
Processing to Account for Non-Traditional Acquisition
Attention to detail during the planning and implementation of acquisition and processing
is required to insure the best possible imaging parameters are in place, but difficulties
often arise with 3-D land surveys. Problems of improper spatial sampling often result
because of issues such as right of ways, obstacles, and permits (Evans, 1997). In the plan
there should be accounting for geologic factors such as the regional dip, structures, and
target depths. After data acquisition, it is necessary to apply the proper processing to
insure a high quality image. Surface seismic data acquired at Vinton Dome using
innovative methods were prestack time migrated (PSTM). My objective in processing
was to find an effective pre-migration processing flow that was easily implemented and
reduced noise without drastically affecting the data, especially the bandwidth of the data.
3.2 Acquisition
A radial receiver grid with concentric source lines, differing from the typical brick
pattern, was the acquisition pattern at Vinton Dome (Figure 32). The Vinton Dome
survey design was to accomplish maximum fold and have a survey aperture to focus on
the salt structure (Gibson and Tzimeas, 2002). Seismic sources were 5.5 pound pentolite
charges that were detonated at a depth of 60 feet (18m). The survey used seventy-two
receiver lines in the survey. Half of these lines extended from the predicted perimeter of
the salt dome to the distal edges of the survey and the other half were short lines
extending from about half the length of the long lines to the distal edge of the survey.
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