Method of subterranean mapping
US4953140A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 21, 1989 |
| Grant date | Aug 28, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 21, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01V2210/66
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An improved method for modeling the subterranean structure of the earth is disclosed. Assumed velocities are used in initially modeling the path of seismic energy through the subterranean structure. Arrays of travel times corresponding to upward and downward going energy from various locations in the subterranean structure are calculated using ray tracing techniques. Actual reflection points are located when the sum of the upward and downward going travel times calculated with respect to a particular point in the structure equals the actual travel times recorded. The velocity assumptions are verified by selecting common reflection point records and adjusting the assumed velocities, such that reflection events on displayed traces from the common reflection point are horizontal. A least squares fit is used to correct the common reflection point event data until it is optimally flat.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.