Abstract
Utilizing full waveform inversion from shallow to deep
Denis Vigh
Schlumberger-Doll Research
Full-waveform inversion (FWI) is a high-resolution model building technique that uses the entire recorded seismic data content to build the earth model. Conventional FWI usually utilizes diving and refracted waves to update the low-wavenumber/background
components of the model; however, the update is often depth limited due to the limited offset range acquired. To extend conventional FWI beyond the limits of the transmitted energy, we must use reflection data. Synthetic and field data examples demonstrate that, even in a complex subsalt Gulf of Mexico setting, the background velocity model can be updated from shallow to deep water using conventional FWI followed by reflection-based FWI.