Improved Subsalt Imaging and Salt Interpretation Using Reverse Time Migration Scenario Testing and Image Partitioning

Despite the introduction of wider-azimuth acquisition techniques and the widespread use of advanced algorithms such as reverse time migration (RTM) to help image complex salt areas, accurately defining salt geometries remains a considerable challenge in many areas. This salt-definition phase frequently takes up the largest portion of time and resources in the imaging workflow, and the success of this phase largely determines the quality of the final subsalt target image. We consider two aspects of RTM that help address this challenge: local scenario testing and image partitioning. We use multiple Gulf of Mexico case histories to illustrate how these two methods can be used to assist in salt interpretation and final enhancement phases.