BJV Design Inc.

Once we identify any existing data that may compromise our design analysis, the question becomes how do we move forward?
The first step is to complete the design analysis of the questionable data with the full understanding that the results will likely have limitations.

Once we have completed the analysis, we can do one of two things (assuming we have no additional better quality data to rely on).
1. Make assumptions based on previous experience and move forward with the survey design process

OR
a better solution

2. Acquire a 2D test line and complete a full design analysis on the test data prior to acquiring a more expensive 3D

As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us.
https://www.bjv-3ddesign.com/contact/

In our design analysis, we do not want the maximum frequency of our existing data to be less than the maximum frequency of the earth’s response, but how do we answer this question?

The answer is:
1. Previous experience of a Design Geophysicist in:
The area of Interest
or
In a comparable geological setting with similar target depths

2. Existing data that was acquired using old technology and methods are often inadequate for a survey design analysis

3. Parameters of existing data sets:
- Coarse spatial sampling / inadequate source parameters
- Inadequate S/N from Limited Offset Fold/Trace Density
- Inadequate offsets for target depth

Once we identify any data that may negatively impact our design analysis results, the question becomes whether this data has any value through the remainder of the design process.

Any questions? Feel free to contact us:
https://www.bjv-3ddesign.com/contact/

How do we know if our existing data is compromising our survey design analysis?

The last thing we want to do is under estimate the maximum resolution possible that the earth response will give us, especially in areas with significant economic value for higher-resolution data.
Now, the question becomes: How do we figure this out?

Check back tomorrow...

Once we have a basic understanding of the existing seismic data, it is time to determine any limiting factors that the data may have on our survey design analysis results.

Examples of these limiting factors can include:
1. Coarse parameters with poor spatial sampling under estimating the maximum resolution potential of a new project area
2. Vintage seismic data using old technology that may under estimate the maximum resolution possible
3. A limited offset recording patch may prevent the determination of maximum useable offsets for our target zone

Understanding all possible limiting factors in the existing data is critical to a successful seismic survey design.

Understanding the existing seismic data used in your seismic survey design analysis is critical to the success of your seismic project.

The basic questions that need to be answered include:
1. What existing data do you have?
2. What is the vintage of the existing data?
3. What are the parameters of the existing data?

Answering these basic questions will prepare you for a successful seismic survey design.

The surface footprint of our seismic program will be significantly larger than the area of interest we want to image for our subsurface target.
Fold Taper: A buffer around the target area that is required to reach “Full Fold” for a given offset.
Migration Aperture: A buffer around the target area in order to correctly migrate dipping events to their true location and collapse diffractions.

IMPORTANT TAKEAWAY:
Adding a fold taper and migration aperture adds significant size to a seismic program, which means significant cost.
Do you need a full migration aperture? That depends on your imaging objectives.
https://www.bjv-3ddesign.com/contact/