NUMERICAL RAY GENERATION IN THE COMPUTATION OF SYNTHETIC VERTICAL SEISMIC PROFILES1

Ray theories are a class of methods often chosen to compute synthetic seismograms due to their efficiency and ability to deal with complex, three-dimensional inhomogeneous media. To deal with the large number of rays needed to compute synthetic seismograms, a ray generation algorithm is given which is capable of generating a numerical code describing each ray. The code describes a subset of all possible rays by considering only pre-critical reflections. In a horizontally plane-layered medium the generation of rays and computation of amplitudes and traveltimes can be efficiently accomplished by grouping the rays into reflection order and dynamic analogue groups. Expressions summing all unconverted rays and rays with a single mode conversion are given for source and receiver located at arbitrary positions within the medium. Examples of zero-offset synthetic VSPs obtained by this method are given.     

COMPLETE INVERSION OF ZERO-OFFSET SEISMIC DATA*

The one-dimensional seismic inverse problem consists of recovering the acoustic impedance (or reflectivity function) as a function of traveltime from the reflection response of a horizontally layered medium excited by a plane-wave impulsive source. Most seismic sources behave like point sources, and the data must be corrected for geometrical spreading before the inversion procedure is applied. This correction is usually not exact because the geometrical spreading is different for primary and multiple reflections. An improved algorithm is proposed which takes the geometrical spreading from a point source into account. The zero-offset reflection response from a stack of homogeneous layers of variable thickness is used to compute the thickness, velocity and density of each layer. This is possible because the geometrical spreading contains additional information about the velocities.     

VERTICAL SEISMIC PROFILES: THEIR APPLICATIONS IN EXPLORATION GEOPHYSICS*

During the past four or five years, Vertical Seismic Profiles have been run in a large number of wells and in a variety of geological provinces with the object of assisting the seismic data processor and improving the geological interpretation. The special properties of the Vertical Seismic Profile, which allows the separation of the upward and downward travelling components of the recorded waveform, provides a means of studying the acoustic response of the earth in detail. Deconvolution of the data in particular gives a clearer understanding of the mechanics of multiple reflections and the way in which they may obscure primary reflections in the vicinity of the well. The primary reflection response of the earth can be observed with greater resolution than conventional seismic data permits, making correlation with lithology more precise, and allowing a good estimate of the reflection coefficient series to be determined. Inversion of the seismic traces to produce an acoustic impedance log leads to better definition of the sedimentary sequence and is of particular interest in predicting lithologic variations ahead of the drilling bit. In addition, Vertical Seismic Profile data can be used to assess parameters in areas such as deconvolution and signal band width for the evaluation of conventional seismic data.     

ASPECTS OF VERTICAL SEISMIC RESOLUTION*

It is proposed that the vertical resolving power of a seismic signal is controlled by three aspects: the width of the central lobe, the side lobe ratio, and the side-tail oscillations. A comparative study of zero-phase signals covering the same frequency range shows that improvement of any one of these aspects inevitably leads to deterioration of one of the other aspects. An analytical simulation model is proposed of zero-phase signals free from side-tail oscillations, in which both the width of the central lobe and the side lobe ratio are adjustable. Analysis of the spectra of this model shows that, while the high frequency content of the spectrum is essential for obtaining a small width of the central lobe, the low frequency content of the spectrum plays an essential part in causing a low value of the side lobe ratio.     

VERTICAL SEISMIC PROFILING—SEPARATION OF P- AND S-WAVES*

In vertical seismic profile's (VSP's) shot with a large source offset, rays from shot to receiver can have large angles of incidence. Shear waves generated by the source and by conversions at interfaces are likely to be recorded by both the vertical and the horizontal geophones. Varying angles of incidence may give strong variations in the recorded amplitudes. Separation of P- and SV-waves and recovery of their full amplitudes are important for proper processing and interpretation of the data. A P-S separation filter for three-component offset VSP data is presented which performs this operation. The separation filter is applied in the k-f domain and needs an estimate of the P- and S-velocities along the borehole as input. Implementation and stability aspects of the filter are considered. The filter was tested on an 1800 m offset VSP and appeared to be robust. Large velocity variations along the borehole could be handled and results were superior to those obtained by velocity filtering.     

COMPUTER MODELING OF VERTICAL SEISMIC PROFILING*

There are numerous modeling techniques commonly employed for the computer simulation of seismic wave propagation. The capabilities of these techniques vary according to the theoretical foundations and subsequent approximations upon which the algorithms are based. This paper constitutes a comparative review of seven modeling methods: geometric ray theory, asymptotic ray theory, generalized ray theory, Kirchhoff wave theory, Fourier synthesis, finite differences, and finite elements. These methods can be categorized as ray or wave, acoustic or elastic, and can be contrasted according to their relative abilities to simulate such behavior as wave interference effects, diffractions, and mode conversions. As is implied by their names, geometric ray theory and asymptotic ray theory are both ray methods. The other five methods provide wave theory simulations. Geometric ray theory and Kirchhoff wave theory are normally implemented in acoustic form, while the other methods are readily adapted for computing elastic theory solutions. Generalized ray theory and Fourier synthesis are more limited in the complexity of geological model they can accommodate than are the other techniques. The methods which typically demand the greatest computer resources are the finite-difference and the finite-element techniques. All methods can incorporate at least some multiple events. Diffractions, however, are only inherent in the solutions computed by Kirchhoff wave theory, finite differences and finite elements. Attenuation is readily incorporated in both the Fourier synthesis and the finite-element methods. As an example of the application of seismic modeling, a geological model representative of a typical petroleum exploration target is used to compare vertical seismic profiles calculated by different modeling methods.     

Q-LOG DETERMINATION ON DOWNGOING WAVELETS AND TUBE WAVE ANALYSIS IN VERTICAL SEISMIC PROFILES1

Seismic attenuation introduces modifications in the wavelet shape in vertical seismic profiles. These modifications can be quantified by measuring particular signal attributes such as rise-time, period and shape index. Use of signal attributes leads to estimations of a seismic-attenuation log (Q-log). To obtain accurate signal attributes it is important to minimize noise influence and eliminate local interference between upgoing and downgoing waves at each probe location. When tube waves are present it is necessary to eliminate them before performing separation of upgoing and downgoing events. We used a trace-by-trace Wiener filter to minimize the influence of tube waves. The separation of upgoing and downgoing waves was then performed in the frequency domain using a trace-pair filter. We used three possible methods based on signal attribute measurements to obtain g-log from the extracted downgoing wavefield. The first one uses a minimum phasing filter and the arrival time of the first extremum. The two other methods determine the Q-factor from simple relations between the amplitudes of the first extrema and the pseudo-periods of the down-going wavelet. The relations determined between a signal attribute and traveltime over quality factor were then calibrated using field source signature and constant-Q models computed by Ganley's method. Q-logs thus obtained from real data are discussed and compared with geological information, specifically at reservoir level. Analysis of the tube wave arrivals at the level of the reservoir showed a tube wave attenuation that could not be explained by simple transmission effects. There was also a loss of signal coherence. This could be interpreted as tube wave diffusion in the porous reservoir, followed by dispersion. If this interpretation can be verified, tube wave analysis could lead to further characterization of porous permeable zones.     

VERTICAL SEISMIC PROFILING IN COAL*

The intellection of seismic wave propagation in coal measures demands direct observation of the wavefield progression. Two vertical seismic profiles with high spatial and temporal sampling, were recently recorded in the Sydney Basin coalfields as part of an experimental coal seismic program. Static corrections and interval velocities were obtained by an automated system to determine first kicks and pulse rise times. Upgoing and downgoing waves were separated in the f—k-plane using a novel technique of contour slice filtering. The isolated upgoing waves clearly display reflections from the major coal seams within the stratigraphic sequence. The downgoing wave spectra were subjected to attenuation analysis. The deduced specific quality factor Q for Permian coal measure rocks lies in the range 20–70. Similar estimates were obtained in the time domain from measurements of pulse broadening. Synthetic VSP seismograms, computed using an exact recursive formulation, are an indispensable aid to interpretation. They illustrate the filtering effects of coal seams and sequences, and the effects of the contribution of internal and free-surface multiple reflections in the recorded wavetrains.     

ON VERTICAL SEISMIC PROFILE PROCESSING*

From the wealth of information which can be deduced from VSP, the information most directly comparable to well logs is considered: P-wave and S-wave interval velocity, acoustic impedance, and the velocity ratio γ=V_s/V_p. This information not only allows better interpretation of surface seismic sections but also improves processing. For these results to be usable a number of precautions must be taken during acquisition and processing; the sampling in depth should be chosen in such a way that aliasing phenomena do not unnecessarily limit the spectra during the separation of upwards and downwards travelling waves. True amplitudes should be respected and checked by recording of signatures, and the interference of upwards and downwards travelling waves should be taken into account for the picking of first arrivals. The different steps in processing and the combination of results in the interpretation of surface seismic results are described with actual records.     

NUMERCAL COMPUTATION OF VERTICAL TWO-DIMENSIONAL NON-EQUILIBRIUM SEDIMENT MOVEMENT

INON-EQUILIBRIUMMOVEMENTContinualexchangeremainsamongthebedmaterial,bedloadandsuspendedloadinariver.Thebedloadmovesonthebedsurfaceandjumpsinsteps.Itstransportrateperwidthvarieswithvaryingflowintensity;whilethesuspendedloadmoveswithalongstep,evenifthehydraulicfactorsbecomeweaker,itwillnotretUrntothebeduntilfinishingthefallingprocess.ThismeansthatahysteresisexistsbetWeenthechangeofthesuspendedsedimentmovementandflowvelocity.Foruniformandsteadyflow,thesedimentmovementkeepsinequilibriumi…     

ON THE DETERMINATION OF THE DOWNGOING P-WAVES RADIATED BY THE VERTICAL SEISMIC VIBRATOR*

It is well recognized that in order to realize the full potential of the Vibroseis technique, one needs to ensure accurate phase locking and a meaningful cross-correlation. To achieve these two important objectives we require an accurate estimate of the compressional stress wave radiated by the vibrator into the ground. In this paper a simple method (subject of a patent application) is developed for predicting the compressional stress waves radiated by a vertical vibrator. The main feature of the proposed method is that it involves the field measurement of the acceleration of the reaction mass and the baseplate, respectively. The method is illustrated by computing the compressional stress waves generated by a typical vertical vibrator radiating into ice, chalk, sand, and mud. It is shown that for a seismic vibrator radiating into hard ground the pressure of the downgoing P-wave is 180° out of phase with the baseplate velocity. It is also shown that when the driving force of the seismic vibrator has a flat amplitude spectrum, the amplitude spectrum of the downgoing P-wave falls off by 6 dB/octave towards low frequencies.     

COMPUTATION OF VLF RESPONSE OVER HALF-PLANE AND WEDGE MODELS*

A theoretical solution is presented to the problem where a VLF anomaly is generated by a conducting half-plane or a perfectly conducting wedge below a stratified overburden. The solution is obtained by the use of a scattering matrix for plane-wave eigenfunctions. VLF anomalies have been computed for different values of the conductance and dip of the half-plane. The phase of the VLF anomaly due to a conducting half-plane depends on the conductance and the distance to the half-plane. Close to the half-plane the tilt angle and ellipticity are of opposite sign for a perfect conductor, but the ellipticity will change sign for a poor conductor. The VLF anomaly for a perfectly conducting wedge is essentially determined by the position of the upper surface of the wedge, i.e. the anomaly will closely resemble the anomaly of a perfectly conducting half-plane in the same position as the upper surface of the wedge.     

云南遮放-宾川和孟连-马龙宽角地震剖面的层析成像研究

依据有限差分反演和射线反演的方法,利用走时、振幅比和重力布格异常数据对云南地区遮放—宾川和孟连—马龙宽角地震剖面的地壳上地幔结构进行层析成像研究. 遮放—宾川测线地壳厚度为35～46km,孟连—马龙测线地壳厚度33～44.5km. 局部位置上地幔顶部P波速度值偏低,速度值变化范围大,反映出云南地区是典型的构造活动区的特点. 地壳上地幔结构存在一定程度的深浅构造一致性,意味着浅部物质活动存在深部背景. 遮放—宾川剖面速度结构显示地表怒江断裂东侧存在贯穿地壳的大规模低速异常,可能与深部物质上涌活动有关. 遮放—宾川线和孟连—马龙线速度结构显示作为一级构造单元分界线的红河断裂是超壳断裂,怒江断裂深及上地幔. 而昌宁—双江断裂显示为低角度铲式断层,意味着该断裂切割并不深. 云南地区强震的发生往往与延伸到上地幔的深大断裂有关,且一些浅源地震经常位于中上地壳深大断裂与其他断裂的交汇部位、高速块体与低速块体接触带上速度等值线弯曲的位置. 推测这样的位置有利于能量和区域应力的积累.     

MODELING OF SH-WAVE PROPAGATION IN AN IRREGULARLY LAYERED MEDIUM-APPLICATION TO SEISMIC PROFILES NEAR A DOME*

An approach that relies on a discrete representation of seismic wavefields allows the computation of synthetic SH-seismograms in a laterally varying medium with plane and curved interfaces in the two dimensional (2-D) case. The diffracting interface is represented by an array of body forces located along the interface at equal spacing. The numerical treatment is limited to the irregular boundary while the propagation in flat layered zones is obtained by the reflection-transmission matrix method. As an example we have studied the case of a dome in a stratified medium. The solutions obtained verify the reciprocity theorem with good accuracy. The computation of vertical profiles and of surface reflection profiles illustrates the effects of diffraction and the importance of lateral propagation in such a structure.     

THE SCALING OF AIRGUN ARRAYS,INCLUDING DEPTH DEPENDENCE AND INTERACTIONS*

The article provides a theoretical basis for the extension of the method of scaling law deconvolution to three dimensions using airgun arrays as a sound source. Earlier papers by the author required the dimensions of the scaled sources to be different while the depths and firing pressures were maintained the same in order to preserve the same dynamics of the scaled sources at scaled time. However, this forces the source ghost to be considered as part of the impulse response of the earth rather than as part of the downgoing source wave. And, in fact, the dynamics of the scaled sources are not the same at the same depth because the ghost reflection modulates the behaviour of the oscillating bubbles generated by the airguns, and this modulation does not scale. To force the sources to scale properly, including the ghost interaction, the larger source must be put at greater depth, where hydrostatic pressure is greater, and the initial firing pressure must be adjusted accordingly. Thus, the depth, initial firing pressure and gun volume are all variables. The interaction among guns in scaled airgun arrays also scales exactly if the geometry of an array and the depth of its deployment are scaled by the same factor.     

新疆竖直摆倾斜仪的观测精度与震兆异常

对竖直摆倾斜仪在新疆近10年的运行情况做系统分析后认为，该类仪器观测精度较高且功耗小，管理方便，其中井下仪器稳定性好。受干扰小，性能明显优于峒体仪器，地震前显示了一定的中短期前兆异常。     

用烈度资料反演Qssub>、扩散因子和震源S波加速度.

本文采用发生在中国的35个地震的烈度资料,用阻尼最小二乘法解超定方程组的方法,反演了中国7个区的1秒周期S波品质因子Q_S的平均值、扩散因子和震源S波加速度.并探讨了震源S波加速度与震级的关系.作为一个例子,反演了台湾地区Qs值的二维平面分布,发现Qs值分布与布格重力异常、地震活动性存在某种对应关系. 对反演结果进行了初步分析和讨论,并估计了Qs的误差.     

RESOLUTION ENHANCEMENT OF WELL LOG AND SEISMIC DATA*

A new method with general applications for seismic data is presented for spectral extrapolation. The method gives a restored image that is optimum in the sense of minimum norm and can be adapted to incorporate any constraints on the reconstruction. As an illustration of the technique it is first applied to a synthesized (noise-free) image. Then it is shown that enhancement of a density log (run in a hole drilled entirely in Coal Measures rocks) is possible using constraints taken from the geologist's log. A synthetic trace with significantly improved event arrival times and general character is obtained.     

普及地震知识,搞好防震减灾工作

论述了地震知识宣传教育在防震减灾中的重要作用。阐明了通过防震抗震的宣传教育,使人们了解地震科学一般性常识,增强全民防灾意识,尽可能使地震损失减少到最低限度。