Benefits of inserting salt stratification to detail velocity model prior to least-squares reverse-time migration

Abstract Seismic amplitude is a key attribute for reservoir characterization . Its use as a trend to populate reservoir grids with properties poses some challenges due to the intrinsic uncertainties of the seismic experiment, especially under complex geological environments. The combination of reliable velocity models for the salt section and a suitable algorithm for seismic imaging seems to be the best way to achieve good results for both data quality and depth positioning. However, state-of-the-art depth-migration algorithms still need to be combined with an amplitude-compensation scheme to correct the effects caused by uneven seismic illumination. In this work, we present the benefits of combining a reliable velocity model - with stratification of the evaporitic section - and a least-squares scheme. We use modeled seismic amplitude in different imaging scenarios and show a quantitative comparison in key horizons. The results suggest that salt stratification has a significant impact on the depth positioning of the seismic events, while the least-squares scheme plays a more significant role in recovering the seismic amplitude.