Summary
Seismic imaging in structurally and topographically complex areas is handicapped for two reasons. These areas usually belong to fold- thrust belt systems, which are characterized by complex tectonics. At the same time, the rough topography considerably hinders seismic imaging. Large surface to seismic datum static shifts (even for relatively flat topography) can distort complex subsurface images due to the seismic parallax.
Accurate seismic imaging of such an area can be achieved by applying wave- equation datuming (Kirchhoff X-T algorithm) using an upward or downward continuation of the seismic dataset. Wave- equation datuming differs from conventional static datuming, because reflections are repositioned laterally as well as vertically.
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2003. Society of Exploration Geophysicists
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