Optimization of spread configuration for seismic data acquisition through numerical modeling in tectonically complex areas: a case study from Badarpur anticline, Cachar, India

Cachar area, a part of the Assam–Arakan frontal fold belt in the eastern part of India is characterized by a series of narrow anticlines which are dissected by a number of faults including thrusts, and broad synclines. Out of several exposed structures, Badarpur anticline is most important because of its major share of hydrocarbon strikes in Cachar. However, the seismic image of this area so far has been extremely poor for deciding locations for exploratory drilling. The problems in obtaining a good seismic image in this area include proper spread configuration including far and near offsets to capture reflected signals from the complex subsurface, variation of charge-sizes and depths along a line, large variation in statics due to rapid changes in elevation and near surface properties. The presence of coherent noise due to scattering and proper migration are major processing problems. This paper deals with the problem of spread configuration. For areas of complex subsurface, spread configuration obtained through field experiment at one spot may be quite different from other spots, requiring a large number of costly experiments. In this work, therefore, we used numerical modeling to derive an optimum spread configuration. For this, we chose a line passing through four wells on Badarpur anticline, and prepared a depth model using available seismic, surface geological and well data. Continuous synthetic common shot records were generated through oblique incidence ray tracing and were processed to obtain stacks with various spread configurations. Comparison of these stacks of synthetic data shows that end-on shooting configuration is inadequate for acquiring a good seismic image of the complex subsurface. From the present study it is evident that a split–spread configuration with near and far offsets of 50 m and 2400 m, respectively, can bring out optimum seismic images in Badarpur and other anticlines in this area.