• Geophysics and Geophysical Exploration
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.323-329
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• 2010

Three deconvolution methods were applied to stacked seismic data obtained to investigate gas-hydrates in the Ulleung Basin, East Sea: (1) minimum-phase spiking deconvolution, (2) minimum-phase spiking deconvolution using an averaged wavelet from all traces, and (3) deterministic deconvolution using a wavelet with phases computed from well-logs. We analyzed the resolving property of these methods for lithological boundaries. The first deconvolution method increases temporal resolution but decreases lateral continuity. The second method shows, in an overall sense, similar results to the spiking deconvolution using a minimum phase wavelet for each trace; however, it results in a more consistent and continuous bottom-simulating reflector (BSR) and better resolved sub-BSR reflectors. The results from the third method reveal more detailed internal structures of debris-flow deposits and increased continuity of reflectors; in addition, the seafloor reflection and the BSR appear to have changed to a zero-phase waveform. These properties help more precisely estimate the distribution and reserves of gas hydrates in the exploration area by improving analysis of facies and amplitude of the BSR.

• Geophysics and Geophysical Exploration
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.1-14
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• 2008

We present a method for interpreting seismic records with arrivals and waveforms having characteristics which could be generated by extremely inhomogeneous velocity structures, such as non-typical oceanic crust, decollement at subduction zones, and seamounts in oceanic regions, by comparing them with synthetic waveforms. Recent extensive refraction and wide-angle reflection surveys in oceanic regions have provided us with a huge number of high-resolution and high-quality seismic records containing characteristic arrivals and waveforms, besides first arrivals and major reflected phases such as PmP. Some characteristic waveforms, with significant later reflected phases or anomalous amplitude decay with offset distance, are difficult to interpret using only a conventional interpretation method such as the traveltime tomographic inversion method. We find the best process for investigating such characteristic phases is to use an interactive interpretation method to compare observed data with synthetic waveforms, and calculate raypaths and traveltimes. This approach enables us to construct a reasonable structural model that includes all of the major characteristics of the observed waveforms. We present results here with some actual observed examples that might be of great help in the interpretation of such problematic phases. Our approach to the analysis of waveform characteristics is endorsed as an innovative method for constructing high-resolution and high-quality crustal structure models, not only in oceanic regions, but also in the continental regions.

• The Korean Journal of Petroleum Geology
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• v.1 no.1 s.1
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• pp.47-52
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• 1993

A method and results of computations are presented for the 2-D seismic migration process in the frequency-wavenumber domain for the laterally and vertically inhomogeneous medium. In order to take the intrinsic attenuation effect into account in the migration process the complex-valued wave velocity is used in the wavefield extrapolation operator, improving the generalized frequency-wavenumber migration technique. The imaginary part of the complex-valued wave velocity includes the seismic quality factor Q value. In derivation of the solution of the wave equation for the medium of inhomogeneous wave velocity and anelasticity, the inhomogeneous medium is mathematically converted to an equivalent system which consists of a homogeneous medium of averaged slowness and an inhomogeneous distribution of hypothetical wave source. The strength of the hypothetical wave source depends on the deviation of squared slowness from the averaged value of the medium. Results of numerical computation using the technique show more distinct geologic images than those using the convensional generalized frequency-wavenumber migration. Especially, the obscured images due to the wave attenuation by anelasticity are restored to show sharp boundaries of structures. The method will be useful in the imaging of the reflection data obtained in the regions of possible petroleum or natural gas reservoir and of fractured zone.

• Geophysics and Geophysical Exploration
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.93-98
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• 2008

Abstract: Surface topography has a significant influence on seismic wave propagation in a reflection seismic exploration. Effects of surface topography on two-dimensional elastic wave propagation are investigated through modeling using a weighted-averaging (WA) finite-element method (FEM), which is computationally more efficient than conventional FEM. Effects of air layer on wave propagation are also investigated using flat surface models with and without air. To validate our scheme in modeling including topography, we compare WA FEM results for irregular topographic models against those derived from conventional FEM using one set of rectangular elements. For the irregular surface topography models, elastic wave propagation is simulated to show that breaks in slope act as a new source for diffracted waves, and that Rayleigh waves are more seriously distorted by surface topography than P-waves.

• Geophysics and Geophysical Exploration
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.1-18
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• 2007

Non-linear elastic wavefield inversion is a powerful method for estimating elastic parameters for physical constraints that determine subsurface rock and properties. Here, I introduce six elastic-wave velocity models by reconstructing elastic-wave velocity variations from real data and a 2D elastic-wave velocity model. Reflection seismic data information is often decoupled into short and long wavelength components. The local search method has difficulty in estimating the longer wavelength velocity if the starting model is far from the true model, and source frequencies are then changed from lower to higher bands (as in the 'frequency-cascade scheme') to estimate model elastic parameters. Elastic parameters are inverted at each inversion step ('simultaneous mode') with a starting model of linear P- and S-wave velocity trends with depth. Elastic parameters are also derived by inversion in three other modes - using a P- and S-wave velocity basis $('V_P\;V_S\;mode')$; P-impedance and Poisson's ratio basis $('I_P\;Poisson\;mode')$; and P- and S-impedance $('I_P\;I_S\;mode')$. Density values are updated at each elastic inversion step under three assumptions in each mode. By evaluating the accuracy of the inversion for each parameter set for elastic models, it can be concluded that there is no specific difference between the inversion results for the $V_P\;V_S$ mode and the $I_P$ Poisson mode. The same conclusion is expected for the $I_P\;I_S$ mode, too. This gives us a sound basis for full wavelength elastic wavefield inversion.

• Geophysics and Geophysical Exploration
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.25-41
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• 2011

AVO analysis was conducted on hydrocarbon-bearing structures by applying the crossplot and offset-coordinate amplitude polynomial techniques. To evaluate the applicability of the AVO analysis, it was conducted on synthetic data that were generated with an anticline model, and field data from the hydrocarbon-bearing Colony Sand bed in Canada. Analysis of synthetic data from the anticline model demonstrates that the crossplot method yields zero-offset reflection amplitude and amplitude variation with negative values for the upper interface of the hydrocarbon-bearing layer. The crossplot values are clustered in the third quadrant. The results of AVO analysis based on the coefficients of the amplitude polynomial are similar to those from the crossplots. These well correlated results of AVO analysis on field and synthetic data suggest that both methods successfully investigate the characteristics of the reflections from the upper interface of a hydrocarbon-bearing layer. Analysis based on the incident-angle equation facilitates the application of various interpretation methods. However, it requires the conversion of seismic data to an incident angle gather. By contrast, analysis using coefficients of the amplitude polynomial is cost-effective because it allows examining amplitude variation with offset without involving the conversion process. However, it warrants further investigation into versatile application. The two different techniques can be complement each other effectively as AVO-analysis tools for the detection of hydrocarbon reservoirs.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.349-356
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• 2015

Although geophysical methods are useful and generally provide valuable information about the subsurface, it is important to recognize their limitations. A common limitation is the lack of sufficient contrast in physical properties between different layers. Thus, multiple methods are commonly used to best constrain the physical properties of different layers and interpret each section individually. Ground penetrating radar (GPR) and shallow seismic reflection (SSR) methods, used for shallow and very shallow subsurface imaging, respond to dielectric and velocity contrasts between layers, respectively. In this study, we merged GPR and SSR data from a test site within the Cheongui granitic mass, where the water table is ~3 m deep all year. We interpreted the data in combination with field observations and existing data from drill cores and well logs. GPR and SSR reflections from the tops of the sand layer, water table, and weathered and soft rocks are successfully mapped in a single section, and they correlate well with electrical resistivity data and SPS (suspension PS) well-logging profiles. In addition, subsurface interfaces in the integrated section correlate well with S-wave velocity structures from multi-channel analysis shear wave (MASW) data, a method that was recently developed to enhance lateral resolution on the basis of CMP (common midpoint) cross-correlation (CMPCC) analysis.

• Geophysics and Geophysical Exploration
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.41-49
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• 2005

We have developed a random heterogeneous velocity model with bimodal distribution in methane hydrate-bearing Bones. The P-wave well-log data have a von Karman type autocorrelation function and non-Gaussian distribution. The velocity histogram has two peaks separated by several hundred metres per second. A random heterogeneous medium with bimodal distribution is generated by mapping of a medium with a Gaussian probability distribution, yielded by the normal spectral-based generation method. By using an ellipsoidal autocorrelation function, the random medium also incorporates anisotropy of autocorrelation lengths. A simulated P-wave velocity log reproduces well the features of the field data. This model is applied to two simulations of elastic wane propagation. Synthetic reflection sections with source signals in two different frequency bands imply that the velocity fluctuation of the random model with bimodal distribution causes the frequency dependence of the Bottom Simulating Reflector (BSR) by affecting wave field scattering. A synthetic cross-well section suggests that the strong attenuation observed in field data might be caused by the extrinsic attenuation in scattering. We conclude that random heterogeneity with bimodal distribution is a key issue in modelling hydrate-bearing Bones, and that it can explain the frequency dependence and scattering observed in seismic sections in such areas.